The Town and Country Planning system is designed to protect and enhance the spectacular landscape and world class visitor experiences and promote a prosperous economy and vibrant communities.

Lake District cottage>

The Development Plan for the National Park contains planning policies, and takes into account national guidance. At any one time some or all policies may be under review.

Current policies

Currently the Local Plan and Structure Plan make up the Development Plan and form the policies we use now to make decisions about new development and planning applications.

The future's bright...

In 2004 the government made changes to create a more flexible, speedier planning system to involve the public more than ever before. This means that the Local Development Framework will replace the Local Plan and a Regional Spatial Strategy overwrites the Structure Plan.

We are allowed to apply to continue using certain policies of the Local Plan until the Local Development Framework is adopted.