Call to ‘Shape the Lakes’ as Local Plan Review gets underway

[R]esidents, business owners and farmers across the Lake District are being urged to ‘Shape the Lakes’ and have their say on new planning policies at Local Plan drop-in consultation events being held across the National Park in May and June.

Steve Ratcliffe, Director of Sustainable Development at the Lake District National Park said: “As the local planning authority we need to make sure our Local Plan policies reflect the issues, challenges and opportunities that people are facing in the Lake District, not just for today, but the next 15 years. These policies will be used to guide decisions about planning and development within the National Park, so it’s really important that residents, businesses and stakeholders get involved.”

This review of the planning policies, which happens every three to five years, first began in 2016 when an initial phase of feedback was gathered from Lake District communities. The updated suggested policies are now once again being made public ready for the next round of review.

During the Local Plan Review, the National Park Authority has been keen to dispel myths on planning applications in the Lake District, stating that their approval rate is more than 90 per cent which is above the national average.

“There can be a misunderstanding about how we manage development in the National Park,” Steve continued. “So this review is also an opportunity for us to show people how we look after the Lake District.  We want to share, through short films, some fantastic examples of recent housing, business and community projects, I think people may be surprised to see what kind of development is taking place across the National Park.”

The draft changes to planning policies in the Lake District will be open for public review throughout May and June with a schedule of consultation drop-in events being hosted in locations across the Lake District. People are able to take part via a simple online survey from 8 May to 29 June, or drop in to one of the consultation events across the Park. More information can be found: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/localplan

Steve Ratcliffe said: “This Local Plan Review gives people the chance to help shape the Lake District. Our vision is to work together to create vibrant communities, thriving businesses and inspirational, world class landscapes in the Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site. Come and tell us if you think these new policies will help us achieve this.”

Following feedback during this public consultation, the Lake District National Park will publish the changes made to the documents once again before publishing the updated policies in the first half of 2019.

Find out more about the Lake District Local Plan and where to find your nearest consultation event www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/localplan