SOUTH Lakeland residents are invited to have their say on a major plan that will shape the district for the next 10 years and beyond.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has this week launched its latest review of the local plan, which considers everything from what employment and housing the area needs, to how its historic character and special landscapes can be protected.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Housing and Innovation, said: “South Lakeland is a very special place to live and to work. It is an area that regularly features among the best in the UK for its quality of life.

“But keeping it special doesn’t happen by accident. The planning system and the Local Plan have a big role to play.

“We need to carefully balance priorities for people, the economy and the environment to help ensure the most sustainable future for South Lakeland.

“We need to review the Local Plan regularly to make sure it continues to meet the challenges facing our area, and we hope that everyone who cares about shaping the future of the district will want to be involved".

The plan covers the areas of South Lakeland outside the national parks and allocates sites for housing and employment. It also contains the policies that the council will use to decide whether to grant planning permissions for new development.

The plan also seeks to set the framework for making the area better, reduce the environmental impact of new development and supporting measures to tackle climate change, improve the town centres, build affordable housing, help wildlife and enhancing green open spaces, reducing flood risk and improving infrastructure such as roads and cycleways.

The early stages of the consultation have been launched this week, but the revised Local Plan will not be adopted until 2023 following several more consultation and public feedback.

Councillor Brook continued: “It’s a great time to get involved because everything is up for discussion and no decisions have been made.

“It’s important that we speak to as many people as possible to understand their point of view. We want the Local Plan to be everyone’s plan for the future of South Lakeland".

Resident surveys can be found at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/LocalPlanReview/. The online deadline for feedback on May 15.

For more information contact the SLDC communications team on 01539 793300.