NEWCOMERS are more likely to appreciate the Dales than older residents.

That is one of the findings of a perception survey carried out by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

It found that residents who had lived in the area for more than 20 years were more likely to have negative perceptions or take the landscape for granted.

In most areas of the survey, the national park had recorded improvements since a similar exercise was carried out in 1999.

"The results are very positive and indicate a high level of understanding of the role of the national park authority, its duties and responsibilities," said Annie Galloway, the park's head of external affairs, in a report to the authority.

The survey revealed that people were less happy with planning decisions than they were five years ago, although a recent survey showed that 87 per cent of planning applicants were satisfied with the service.

"This suggests that much of the negative perception comes from those who have no direct contact with the planning service," said Miss Galloway.