We are the local planning authority for the Lake District National Park. We have to balance the demands of sustaining a prosperous economy and vibrant communities with the needs of this spectacular landscape.
Because of increased applications and reduced staffing in combination, we have accumulated a backlog of applications. We currently have 180 applications unallocated awaiting a case planner with capacity to come available. We are approaching applications in date order insofar as possible, allocating those applications which expire soonest first as staff capacity allows. Current allocation time is around 12 weeks following validation.
We appreciate that you may be disappointed. This is not the planning service that we want to provide.
New enforcement cases remain at their highest ever level. We will continue to take enforcement action when it is in the public interest. We will undertake an initial review of all new investigations. The timing of further action will depend upon relative priorities and may take significantly longer than usual.
We continue to provide general planning advice through our duty planner service. We are sorry we are unable to provide detailed written pre-application advice at present. We look forward to being able to provide a full service once again at some time in the future.
Each weekday between 0930 and 1200 we have a planner available to answer queries on a first come first served basis. Our offices are closed to the public. This service is for short telephone conversations (01539 724555) or brief email replies only and not in person. Generally telephone conversations will be more effective. We cannot provide detailed pre-application advice. If, due to being short staffed, we are not be able to provide this service on a day, please call us back.
General enquiries should be made to the duty planner. Please only contact other team members in respect of current casework that they are dealing with. We cannot provide detailed pre-application advice. Requests for progress updates are now cumulatively taking several days of staff time each week to handle, further delaying progress through our backlog. We appreciate delays are frustrating, but we ask that wherever possible you bear with us.
Following the adoption of the Lake District National Park Local Plan 2020-2035 and recent legislative changes we propose to update our validation requirements. We are considering consultation responses and will publish a revised list shortly. Find out more about the proposed changes.
On 17 March 2022 we received nutrient neutrality notifications from Natural England in relation to the River Eden SAC, River Kent SAC and the River Derwent & Bassenthwaite Lake SAC. On 23 March 2022 we received similar advice in respect of Esthwaite Water RAMSAR. The advice was issued to us without notice. We are working to understand the advice and its consequences for developments within the National Park. We will provide further update and guidance when we are able. Read the Natural England advice.
