Tourism, Development, and Balance: Are National Parks Missing the Mark?

National Parks are the crown jewels of Britain’s landscape, showcasing rugged mountains, tranquil moors, and diverse wildlife. But as visitor numbers grow and rural economies face mounting pressures, these protected areas are caught in a tug of war: how do we protect them for future generations while allowing the sustainable evolution they often need?

Park Planners in these landscapes face a difficult question. Are we safeguarding our National Parks or shackling them to outdated ideals? As the challenges of climate change, over-tourism, and rural depopulation grow more pressing, are we preserving these areas in aspic, or can positive development provide the solutions they need?

The Preservation-Progress Paradox

At the heart of this debate are the National Parks’ founding principles:

1. To conserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage.
2. To promote sustainable use of resources.
3. To foster understanding and enjoyment of these unique areas.

The balance between conservation and development was always meant to be nuanced. Yet many who work in the planning system describe a culture of resistance, where the dominant question is, “How can we refuse this application?” rather than, “How can this contribute positively?”

When Saying No Comes at a Cost

A recent pre-application proposal we submitted at AMS Planning highlights the challenges. A working farm in a National Park village was causing significant harm: noise, smells, and environmental degradation impacted residents and the local area. A proposal was put forward to relocate the farm outside the village, build a small number of houses, and set aside much of the site for a tourism accommodation scheme.

This was designed to tackle the goals of reducing harm, delivering homes for local people, supporting sustainable tourism, and ensuring the farm’s future viability. Yet it faced a tepid response, with planners focusing on the hurdles rather than the opportunities.

This story is not unique. Across the UK, similar tensions are playing out, with recent cases in Galloway, Loch Lomond, the Cairngorms, and Wales providing eye-opening lessons.

Case Study 1: Galloway National Park – A Gift or a Burden?

The push to designate Galloway as Scotland’s third National Park highlights the push-pull of tourism and conservation. Proponents argue that National Park status could rejuvenate the area, attracting investment and creating jobs in struggling rural communities. Yet critics, including local farmers, warn that over-tourism could replicate the problems seen on the North Coast 500:

• Congested roads: Popular tourist routes strain infrastructure, making daily life harder for locals.
• Environmental degradation: Litter, habitat disruption, and overuse of natural sites.
• Loss of identity: The “Disneyfication” of rural Scotland, where locals feel alienated from their communities.

The Galloway case forces us to ask whether National Park designation inherently benefits communities—or whether it must be coupled with forward-thinking infrastructure and tourism management.

Case Study 2: Loch Lomond – The Flamingo Land Fiasco

A proposed ￡30 million resort by Flamingo Land near Loch Lomond sparked one of the largest conservation protests in recent memory. Nearly 100,000 people signed a petition opposing the development, which included hotels, lodges, and a monorail.

Opposition Highlights:

• Loss of ancient woodland: Conservationists argued the development would irreversibly damage local habitats.
• Community exclusion: Local residents felt ignored, with decisions driven by commercial rather than community interests.

Support Highlights:

• Economic benefits: Proponents claimed the project could generate millions annually and create hundreds of jobs.
• Tourism infrastructure: Advocates argued that Loch Lomond needs managed, high-quality facilities to meet demand.

The fierce backlash forced Flamingo Land to revise its plans, highlighting the importance of involving local communities early and balancing ecological concerns with economic opportunity.

Case Study 3: Cairngorms – A Winter Wonderland or Worry?

In the Cairngorms, over 370 tourism businesses launched a campaign branding the park as the “ultimate winter destination.” This effort sought to capitalise on off-season tourism and support local businesses.

But residents raised concerns:

• Road safety: Increased traffic on icy, rural roads poses risks for locals and visitors alike.
• Environmental strain: More footfall in fragile ecosystems could cause lasting damage.
• Community pressures: Seasonal influxes of visitors can strain local housing and services, while profits from tourism often fail to reach the communities hosting it.

This campaign showcases the tension between promoting tourism and managing the infrastructure and environmental impacts needed to support it sustainably. It shows it's not just locals complaining about not getting planning permission....it's locals saying 'please leave us alone'

Case Study 4: Freshwater West Beach – Dobby vs. Dolphins

In Wales, Freshwater West Beach gained fame as the fictional grave of Harry Potter’s Dobby the house-elf. The beach has since become a mecca for fans, with visitors leaving socks, stones, and other tributes.

While the intention is harmless, the consequences are not:

• Marine pollution: Tributes litter the beach and endanger marine life, including seals and porpoises.
• Strain on resources: The National Trust struggles to manage crowds and maintain the site’s natural beauty.

This quirky example highlights the unpredictable impacts of “film tourism” and the challenges of balancing preservation with pop culture-fueled popularity.

Towards a Positive Development Model

Speaking as a former National Park planning officer and a consultant now working on the other side of the fence....it's not easy. Development within National Parks is not inherently at odds with conservation, but it requires careful, innovative approaches. Here’s a few thoughts on how planners and policymakers might better align development with the parks’ principles:

1. Redefine Conservation

Conservation shouldn’t mean freezing landscapes in time. Instead, it should embrace change that enhances natural and cultural heritage. Eco-tourism projects, rewilding efforts, and sustainable agriculture initiatives can add value while maintaining environmental integrity.

2. Focus on Community

All development must serve the people who live and work in National Parks. From affordable housing for locals to infrastructure that reduces tourism’s footprint, a people-first approach will ensure developments are sustainable in every sense.

3. Plan for Capacity

Over-tourism is a growing problem. Parks must assess their capacity for visitors and implement measures like timed entry, eco-friendly transport, and infrastructure upgrades to prevent strain on their resources.

4. Encourage Proactive Planning

Instead of obstructing development, planners should work with applicants to shape projects that align with park objectives. Collaborative engagement fosters trust and creativity.

I can say that I have experienced both extremes: From a wholly positive approach in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the opposite only a few miles to the east....

A Call for Change

National Parks are invaluable, not just for their beauty but for the roles they play in ecology, education, and local economies. But as the challenges of climate change, rural depopulation, and over-tourism intensify, we need a shift in mindset.

Instead of asking, “How can we say no?” the question must become, “How can we make this work?”

This requires a more dynamic approach to planning—one that doesn’t just preserve National Parks but enhances them for the future.

As stewards of these landscapes, we owe it to future generations to find better answers.

References

1. "We don't want to be like the NC500" - The Scottish Sun
2. Protesters sign petition opposing Loch Lomond resort - The Times
3. Tourism campaign concerns in the Cairngorms - The Scottish Sun
4. Harry Potter fan tourism's impact on Freshwater West Beach - Le Monde