Liberal Democrats in Oldham have hit out after a recent statement by Conservative Minister Michael Gove revealed that the Government may strip planning powers from the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA), part of which lies in Oldham Borough.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Oldham councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The Government has no business threatening the smooth running of our National Parks.  The last thing they need is Ministers poking their nose around.  Haven’t the Government got enough on their plate fixing the mess they have made of the country without sticking their oar in here too?”

The Government’s Peak District comments from Mr Gove came at the same time as he threatened to remove planning powers from several English councils who were deemed to be “falling short” of development targets.  This comes despite reports that the PDNPA have exceeded Government performance targets over the last six months.

Councillor Sykes said, “The Government will no doubt be hoping people will not notice the comments they have made about the future of the Peak District National Park.  But it raises the question, what exactly do Conservative Ministers plan to do with these powers, if, and when they remove them from the Park Authority?  They clearly want more building and development in our National Parks.”