Dear Editor,

The Dartmoor National Park Authority would do well to examine proposals by their colleagues in the Yorkshire Dales to restrict the sale of new and converted homes to locals.

In two recent cases the Authority has refused planning permission for local people who work and contribute to the community. In the first instance the refusal was for change of use from holiday to permanent accommodation and in the second refusal involved new build on the applicant's farm, with an agricultural tie.

If we are going to make any headway against the tremendous shortage of affordable homes for local people our planning authorities must surely give priority to local people who are an essential part of sustainable communities.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Treleaven

Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Totnes Constituency