Sheep may safely graze if a new fence is put up on moorland near the beauty spot where Heartbeat is filmed.

On Monday, North York Moors National Park Authority members will be asked to break from their current policy against fencing.

They will be recommended to raise no objection to plans for 750 metres of post and wire fence to separate Goathland Moor and Fylingdales Moor.

The idea of a fence separating Goathland and Fylingdale Moors was first raised about three years ago because of sheep straying from one moor to another, leading to difficulties when gathering animals.

The latest proposal has been made by English Nature, Goathland and Fylingdales Commons Committee and the Court Leet.

National Park spokesman Peter Barfoot said the new fence would not have an impact on sheep grazing on the commons at Goathland, a well-known characteristic of the Heartbeat village.

"They can't get into Goathland from the moor any way because the main road is fenced."

Mr Barfoot said. "The reason the report is going to the authority is that the National Park authority has a well-established policy of resisting fencing on open moorland. We do not wish to see large-scale enclosure of open moorland."

"It was taken up by English Nature, who were keen to see a fence in place because it would result in better grazing management on Fylingdales Moor."

Mr Barfoot said the new stretch of fencing would link an established Forestry Commission fence to the north and Ministry of Defence fencing to the south.

A number of stiles and gates would be installed to allow for sheep to be moved around and for access rights.

He also said the proposed line of the £1,800 fence had been changed to minimise its visual impact.

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