Our Statutory Purposes
The National Park has two statutory purposes:
- To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Lake District National Park; and
- To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public.
It also has a duty in pursuing those purposes:
- To seek to foster the economic and social wellbeing of local communities within the National Park by working closely with the agencies and local authorities responsible for these matters, but without incurring significant expenditure.
Section 11A (1A) of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 states that “in exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in any National Park in England, a relevant authority… must seek to further the purposes… and if it appears that there is a conflict between those purposes, must attach greater weight to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area comprised in the National Park”.
This is known as the ‘Sandford Principle’ and stems from the Sandford Committee’s recommendation, in 1974, that enjoyment of the National Parks ‘shall be in a manner and by such means as will leave their natural beauty unimpaired for the enjoyment of this and future generations’.
The Lake District National Park Authority’s governance model includes members and officers.
Members are appointed by various public bodies, including local councils and Secretary of State. There are 20 members of the Lake District National Park Authority. Their role is to set policies and ensure resources are allocated appropriately and effectively.
Officers are Authority employees who implement policies and member decisions through the delivery of work. The Chief Executive provides leadership to officers and is accountable to members, providing regular updates on progress and strategic delivery.
How does the Authority work?
Our staff, volunteers and members play an important role in looking after this unique corner of England, by encouraging people to enjoy its beauty and helping those who live and work here thrive.
This is achieved through implementing the policies and strategies set out in our Local Plan and the Lake District National Park Partnership Plan.
The Local Plan outlines the strategic framework for development within the National Park. Find out more about the Local Plan.
The Lake District National Park Partnership Plan is a joint Management Plan for the Lake District. The partners who make up the Partnership represent communities, landowners, environmental groups and charities. They prepare the plan, presenting a series of targets and objectives for the upcoming five years. Read more about the Partnership Plan.
Both the Local Plan and the Partnership Plan are the result of consultation and engagement with our communities, farmers, businesses, organisations, partners and other stakeholders.
All our teams are instrumental in delivering a greater vision through key areas such as development management, providing advice via information centres, maintaining access routes, developing sustainable travel options, helping young people connect with nature, conserving the historic environment, managing woodlands and working closely with local communities.
The Authority’s work is supported by passionate volunteers who help in various service areas of the National Park, from maintaining paths on the fells to welcoming first-time visitors and providing advice. Learn more about volunteering in the Lake District.
About us
Learn about what makes the Lake District such a special and unique place, how it became designated as a National Park, and find out about our purpose and vision for the future of the Lake District National Park, including how we work with partners and communities to conserve this unique landscape while encouraging enjoyment for all.
Work with us
Our people are the heart of the Lake District National Park Authority. Across all our departments the people of the park provide unrivalled expertise, local knowledge, collaborative ways of working and a dedication to conserve and enhance the Lake District’s flourishing spectacular landscape for everyone.
Join us in keeping this corner of England special. Nurture, enhance and educate alongside colleagues and communities who share a vision in a landscape like no other, and are proud to learn together. Climb your own mountain with a career at the Lake District National Park Authority.
Publications and plans
Our vision for the Lake District National Park is a ‘an inspirational example of sustainable development in action’. Explore how the vision was developed, and the policies that underpin it in the Lake District National Park Partnership Plan, Local Plan and the State of the Park Plan. Here you’ll also find essential information including drone usage and permits for recreation, boating and car parks.
