Residents in South Lakeland have been using their laptops, phones and tablets to help shape the future of their local communities.
Hundreds of people have already logged into a specially-created “virtual” version of South Lakeland District Council’s proposed Local Plan – but the council says time is running out for people to register their views.
The virtual exhibition space, online survey and document library was launched earlier this summer as an alternative to gathering in person at venues such as village and town halls, where Local Plan consultations have traditionally taken place.
It allows people to “walk around” virtual exhibition boards, watch an introductory video presented by council leader Jonathan Brook, and find links to an online survey and consultation documents.
They can also join twice-weekly virtual drop-in sessions with officers from the council’s Local Plan team.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, SLDC’s portfolio holder for housing and the Local Plan, said: “It’s a great time to get involved because everything is still up for discussion and no decisions have been made.
“We 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. We want the Local Plan to be everyone’s plan for the future of South Lakeland.’’
The “Issues and Options” stage of the Plan has now reached its halfway point, and the deadline is September 30 for locals to share their thoughts on everything from what homes and jobs the district needs between now and 2040, to how its historic character and special landscapes can be protected.
To visit the virtual consultation room go to: https://lucmaps.co.uk/South_Lakeland_Local_Plan_Consultation/
