A DALES village is resisting a move to have it designated a conservation area on the grounds it could lead to too much red tape.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has already consulted the Reeth community on the proposals.

Now its officers are recommending the village for Conservation Areas status, along with nearby Gunnerside and East Witton in Wensleydale.

"Reeth does possess a unique character and appearance, based upon its special architectural and historic interest and, for these reasons, it is considered appropriate that the village is designated a Conservation Area," reads a report to be tabled when the national park authority meets tomorrow.

However, the parish council is equally adamant the move would be of little benefit to the community.

In a letter to national park bosses, the clerk, Margaret Porter, insists the village already has all the protection it needs.

She points out the parish council itself is responsible for the village green, there are few trees in the village centre worthy of designation and that there are no parts of the village more or less worthy of protection from insensitive development.

"We prefer to work together to improve the village rather than be told what we can and cannot do," she wrote.