RESIDENTS, business owners and farmers across the Lake District are being urged to have their say at a series of Local Plan drop-in events being held across the national park.

The 'Shape the Lakes' consultation has been organised by the Lake District National Park Authority to ensure Local Plan policies reflect the issues, challenges and opportunities that people are facing for the next 15 years.

This review of the planning policies, which happens every three to five years, first began in 2016 when an initial phase of feedback was gathered from Lake District communities. The updated suggested policies are now once again being made public ready for the next round of review.

During the Local Plan Review, the National Park Authority has been keen to dispel myths on planning applications, stating that their approval rate is more than 90 per cent which is above the national average.

“There can be a misunderstanding about how we manage development in the National Park,” said Steve Ratcliffe, Director of Sustainable Development at the LDNPA. “So this review is also an opportunity for us to show people how we look after the Lake District.

"We want to share, through short films, some fantastic examples of recent housing, business and community projects, I think people may be surprised to see what kind of development is taking place across the national park.”

The drop-in sessions will be held at the following venues from 3pm to 7pm: Wednesday May 16, Billy’s Space, Staveley; Thursday May 17, Coniston Institute; Wednesday May 23, Café Ambio, Lakes Motor Museum, Backbarrow; Thursday May 24, Low Wood Bay Hotel, Windermere; Tuesday May 29, Lowther Castle and Gardens.

People can also take part via a simple online survey until June 29. More information can be found at: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/localplan

“This Local Plan Review gives people the chance to help shape the Lake District," said Mr Ratcliffe. "Our vision is to work together to create vibrant communities, thriving businesses and inspirational, world class landscapes in the Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site."

Following feedback during this public consultation, the LDNPA will publish the changes made to the documents before publishing the updated policies in the first half of 2019.