TWO councils say a Government ruling which stipulates the conversion of redundant Yorkshire Dales barns must be subject to restrictions could damage the rural economy.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles dismissed an appeal by North Yorkshire County Council and Richmondshire District Council against the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's move to ensure developers need planning permission for a change of use concerning barns.

The decision follows the Government ending the requirement for planning permission to convert agricultural buildings into commercial premises, such as offices or shops.

The park authority voiced concerns that the changes could affect the protected area, which features around 6,000 barns and in March voted to introduce a direction so planning permission is still required for a change of use.

Its chairman Peter Charlesworth said the ruling was "a victory for localism", but Gareth Dadd, the county council’s executive member for planning, said Mr Pickles’ decision was "very disappointing".

He added: “I believe this places bureaucracy and officialdom in the way of job creation and rural sustainability.

"A large part of North Yorkshire is in the national parks – and the economic prosperity of the people who live there is as vital to them as it is to those who live in urban areas.”

John Blackie, Leader of Richmondshire District Council, described the decision as “deeply flawed".

He said: “If you are a local Dales couple with a young family, relying on a herd of 120 cows producing milk at an uneconomical price per litre for your livelihood, then a really good new employment-generating enterprise, based in a converted barn, to make the milk profitable and allow you to stay in the Upper Dales where you were born and brought up is exactly what you need.”