Residents are being invited to have their say on a major plan that will shape South Lakeland for the next 10 years and beyond.
South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has this week launched its latest review of the Local Plan, which will consider everything from what employment and housing the area needs to how its historic character and special landscapes can be protected.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Housing and Innovation, explains: “We all know South Lakeland is a special place to live and to work. It is an area that regularly features among the best in the UK for its quality of life.
“But keeping it special doesn’t happen by accident. The planning system and the Local Plan have a big role to play.
“We need to carefully balance priorities for people, the economy and the environment to help ensure the most sustainable future for South Lakeland.
“We need to review the Local Plan regularly to make sure it continues to meet the challenges facing our area, and we hope that everyone who cares about shaping the future of the district will want to be involved.’’
The Local Plan covers the areas of South Lakeland outside the national parks and allocates sites for housing and employment. It also contains the policies that the council will use to decide whether to grant planning permissions for new development.
But it doesn’t just set out rules – it also seeks to set the framework for making the area even better, for example by reducing the environmental impact of new development and supporting measures to tackle climate change, plans to improve town centres, building affordable housing, helping wildlife and enhancing green open spaces, reducing flood risk and even improving infrastructure such as roads and cycleways.
The early stages of the consultation have been launched this week, but the revised Local Plan won’t be adopted until 2023 following several more consultation phases, including a public examination of the proposals.
Councillor Brook continued: “It’s a great time to get involved because everything is up for discussion and no decisions have been made.
“It’s important that we speak to as many people as possible to understand their point of view. We want the Local Plan to be everyone’s plan for the future of South Lakeland.
“We also want people to think about not just the here and now, but what is best for the future of the area – the things that your children or grandchildren will want from future development. The Local Plan will look ahead to 2040 and beyond so it’s a long term plan that will shape that future development.’’
How to get involved
Go along to one of the Local Plan ‘drop in’ events to discuss your ideas:
- Thursday, 27 February 2020 – Kirkby Lonsdale, Lunesdale Hall – 3pm to 7.30pm
- Tuesday, 3 March 2020 – Grange-over-Sands, Victoria Hall – 3pm to 7.30pm
- Monday, 9 March 2020 – Ulverston, Coronation Hall – 3pm to 7.30pm
- Tuesday, 17 March 2020 – Kendal, The MintWorks – 3pm to 7.30pm
- Thursday, 19 March 2020 – Milnthorpe, M:Hub – 3pm to 7.30pm
Sign up to the mailing list at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/LocalPlanConsultations to be notified of any upcoming consultations and receive newsletter updates.
Read more about the Local Plan Review at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/LocalPlanReview including an early engagement discussion paper, a draft policy review paper and a range of short ‘topic sheets’ on different subject areas. People can also view the documents in a paper format at South Lakeland House in Kendal, Ulverston Coronation Hall and the libraries in Kendal, Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Grange-over-Sands and Arnside.
Answer a survey – Complete one of the surveys at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/LocalPlanReview or pick up a paper survey form at South Lakeland House in Kendal, Ulverston Coronation Hall, libraries in Kendal, Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Grange-over-Sands and Arnside, or at one of the Local Plan ‘drop-in’ events. The online survey will close on Friday, 15 May 2020.
