Row of cottages in Askham copyright Mr Hills

Planning

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.

Contact the planning team

Contact the planning team

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.

Application and advice services update

Planning application update - March 2023

Because of increased applications and reduced staffing in combination, we have accumulated a backlog of applications. We continue to make improvements in our timeliness, however in some cases applications there are still delays in allocation.

Enforcement update

New enforcement cases remain at very high levels. 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.

Planning advice

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.  

There will be no Duty Planner Thursday 20 April 2023

Find out more about planning applications

Nutrient neutrality

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.

Building site copyright Michael Turner

Planning Permission

Houses below Silver How in Grasmere copyright Helen Reynolds

Planning applications

Oak beams at the Footprint Centre copyright Paula Allen

Conservation

Balconies in Bowness copyright Charlie Hedley

Planning Policies

Pine trees overhanging the shore of a lake with fells on the far shore

Planning for Nature Recovery