GUIDING principles for the development of Ambleside have been set out in a report by the town's civic trust.

The document has been written with the aim of making developers think about the impact their projects might have.

Steve Dickinson, chairman of Ambleside Civic Trust, said that it was about developers sticking to a 'code of practice'.

"The Guiding Principles for Development in Ambleside are necessary because we at the civic trust, first, are not opposed to all development, but second, want developers to stick to a code of practice that puts Ambleside's fantastic heritage, community and particular local conservation issues as part of England's premier National Park, a potential World Heritage Site come July, first."

The trust believes that Ambleside's 'special status' as an historic market town means that it deserves 'particular recognition' as having an outstanding international value in keeping with its unique setting, character and heritage.

The trust advocates that any major proposed development should always acknowledge, incorporate and respect:

L The views of Ambleside’s community

L Historically and environmentally sensitive and significant locations in the town and its surrounding area

L National policies, principles and good practice in conservation

L Local businesses, skills and traditional craft in design, making and building

L Contexts specific to Ambleside, for example, of flooding and restricted access

The trust will be holding an open meeting at the Kelsick Centre, Ambleside, on June 2 at 7.30pm.