CALLS for tougher conditions on planning application in the North York Moors National Park have been made by a leading consultant.

John Anfield, former chief planning officer for the Peak District National Park, has worked on a review of the moorland park authority's planning policies and decisions.

In his report to go before the authority's planning committee on January 6, Mr Anfield says priority should be given to producing a guide for people submitting planning applications - and the authority should be "bolder" in negotiating more effective landscaping conditions especially for large new farm buildings and caravan sites.

Mr Anfield also wants to see a priority list of conservation areas drawn up.

He said the park authority should be more pro-active "in helping to make things happen" especially on providing local housing, tourism and farm diversification.

Mr Anfield also wants priority to be given to housing policies in the park and for policies on farm diversification and telecommunication masts to be carefully monitored.

The study concludes that the park authority has, through its planning powers, "significantly conserved and enhanced" the park's special qualities.

The findings of Mr Anfield's study will now be discussed by the park planning committee.