CALLS for stronger protection of the North York Moors National Park have been made by the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) in its manifesto to the main political parties for the forthcoming General Election.

It especially highlights the planned multi billion pound potash mine in the park by York Potash, the detailed scheme for which is due to be submitted to the Helmsley based park authority in the next few weeks.

Julian Woolford, the CNP's chief executive, says the North York Moors and the others throughout Britain are"essential to the nation's health and well being and are an important part of our cultural heritage."

He added: "National Prks face an unprecedented level of threats due to the increasing demand for land for housing, transport and other infrastructure and the drive to boost economic growth.

"We are currently facing the biggest road programme for decades along with plans for plans for Europe's largest potash mine, in the North York Moors. The Government has also failed to take account of the extra protection for National Parks in recent proposals to remove the need for planning permission when converting light industrial buildings to housing development."

Mr Woolford said: "We want the next Government to ensure that the extra protection that National Parks currently have, is recognised and effectively enforced in the planning and delivery of all publicly-funded infrastructure, including that being delivered by the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). We also want to see enhanced protection against major development in National Parks by strengthening existing planning guidance and including the presumption against major developments in parks, in legislation."

He said the CNP was keen to see an increase in opportunities for National Parks to be able to target sources of UK and EU funding being made available to LEPs, and through the EU's LEADER and LIFE funding schemes which financially support rural business and the environment.

"It is vital to ensure that LEPs support job creation in high quality food production, landscape enhancement, tourism, green businesses and recreation and wildlife," said Mr Woolford.

He said the CNP's manifesto also calls for an increase in sustainable access to National Parks, saying the Local Sustainable Transport Fund should be maintained until 2021 to support improved public transport links and better facilities for walkers and cyclists."

It also wants a commission set up to consider the need for new or extended National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, such as Ryedale's Howardian Hills.