Making an exemption application
The following information will be required from applicants. It is recommended that all prospective applicants have an informal discussion with the relevant authority staff about their proposed event prior to a formal application.
A. Background information required
- Applicant (name, organisation and contact details)
- Event or activity details (include proposed dates, timings and purpose).
B. Strategic relevance and appropriateness of the proposed activity or event
- Statement with supportive evidence to demonstrate how the activity or event contributes to the Vision and Outcomes of the Lake District National Park Partnership Plan.
- Evidenced statement that describes how the activity or event will achieve one or more of the Vision outcomes and how it will be managed to mitigate any negative impacts on the outcomes including: a prosperous economy; world class visitor experiences; vibrant communities and a spectacular landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage.
- Additional information to demonstrate how the activity or event will help to support and / or deliver any other policies or plans which are deemed relevant.
C. Health, safety and wellbeing
- Provision of relevant and comprehensive risk assessments for the proposed activity / event.
- Provision of relevant management action plans to protect the general public and participants; mitigating risks and issues identified in the activity / event risk assessments.
- Provision of evidence to demonstrate that relevant insurance cover is in place for the proposed activity / event.
- Provision of evidence to demonstrate how the proposed activity or event organisers will satisfy the requirements of any relevant governing or supervisory body’s advice, guidance and / or protocols for undertaking that activity or event.
D. Environmental protection
- Provision of relevant environmental and amenity impact assessments undertaken.
- Provision of environmental impact action plan to protect and mitigate any impacts on the natural environment and control pollution risks.
- Provide details of action to be undertaken to manage and control the spread of invasive species.
E. Challenges and opportunities
- State the potential benefits and any negative impacts for the local economy and how they will be realised and addressed if needed.
- State the potential benefits and any negative impacts for the local community and how they will be realised and addressed if needed.
F. Respecting all lake users
- Identify other lake users who may be impacted by the proposed activity / event and state how their rights to undertake their legitimate activities will be protected.
G. Supporting information
- Include any other any other information in support of the event / activity exemption application. For example – maps, photographs or letters of support.
Evaluating an exemption application
The following steps will be applied:
Step one – preliminary
Recommended that all potential applicants talk to the relevant Park Management Leader about their proposed event or activity. This should include possible concerns or issues which may arise, and how they could be addressed. And to provide an indication of the likelihood of an exemption being approved for the proposed event or activity before a formal application is made.
Step two – formal application
Applicant to complete a valid application form that provides sufficient and reasonable information (see the section above) that allows a member of staff to fully understand it, undertake consultation, and then be able to evaluate the application and present a recommendation for – ‘approval’, ‘refusal’ or ‘approval with conditions’ to the Director of Sustainable Development.
Step three – evaluation stage one
Applicants to provide specific risk assessment and proposed mitigation activities to be undertaken. This needs to consider; general public, event or activity participants. And any key mitigation or compliance such as – marshalling, safety boats, insurance, competency qualifications, and conduct in relation to governing and supervisory conditions or guidance.
Applicants to provide relevant assessment and proposed mitigation activities to be undertaken for management of natural environment impacts and pollution risks. To include – noise and water pollution, and consider the effect on habitats and biodiversity.
Step four – evaluation stage two
Applicant to describe precisely the details of the proposed event or activity and its relationship to other lake activities and users, to consider:
- Timing (time of year, day of week and time of day)
- Duration of event or activity
- Location of event or activity
- Speeds involved
- Numbers and type of craft
- Frequency (one off, repeatable, number of times per year)
- Ancillary facilities and services to support event or activity
- Cumulative impact of total number of events and activity over time
Step five – evaluation stage three
An evidence based assessment by the applicant of the positive benefits that will be derived from the proposed activity in relation to the Vision and Outcomes for the national park and any other relevant local plans or policies. Specifically the aims for:
- Visitor experience
- Economy
- Community
- Spectacular landscape
There needs to be positive, clear and demonstrable outputs from any proposed event or activity. And certainly none that would compromise any individual outcome or the overall vision.
Step six – evaluation stage four
We will carry out a three week on-line consultation with the adjacent Parish Councils and key partners and local stakeholders.
Direct questions will be asked to establish a view on the proposed activity or event
Responses (objections and support) will be considered in relation to key matters defined in evaluation stages 1 and 2.
Step seven – determining the application
A report will be prepared that outlines the activity or event and the outcome of consultation. The acceptability of the application will be assessed in relation to the criteria stated in this approach and conclusion stated.
Finally a recommendation will be made for – ‘approval’, ‘refusal’ or ‘approval with conditions’ by the Director of Sustainable Development or to refer the matter to the Authority for its consideration.
If you want to apply please contact us to discuss initial ideas and we can then email you an application form.
Jack Holmes, Ranger Team Leader, Northern Area:
- Phone: 07747 565042
- Email: jack.holmes@lakedistrict.gov.uk
