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.
There will be no Duty Planner available on Friday 9 December 2022
Our team work across multiple offices, remotely, and out in the national park. Please do not travel to our offices without appointment - you are likely to be disappointed and unable to meet a team member.
There is a duty planner available Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:00pm for general telephone advice, call 01539 724555.
Email us at planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk. If you are commenting on a planning application please quote the application reference number.
Case planner contact details are available here.
Because of increased applications and reduced staffing in combination, we have accumulated a backlog of applications. We currently have 120 applications unallocated awaiting a case planner with capacity to come available. We are approaching applications in date order where possible, allocating those applications which expire soonest first as staff capacity allows. Current allocation time is around 7 weeks, although in some cases may take longer.
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 have a duty planner service for planning advice each weekday between 09:30 and 12:00. Please call 01539 724555. The Duty Planner operates on on a first come first served basis, by phone and email. Generally telephone conversations will be more effective.
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.
Facts and updates about a proposal for tourism development at Elterwater Quarry which has received press and social media attention are on our Elterwater Quarry page.
