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row of four slate and white houses, with slate roofs and solar panels. Only the top of the houses are visible, obstructed by small green trees. Shadowed fells in backdrop

Planning

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Home Planning

We are the local planning authority for the Lake District National Park.

We have to balance the demands of sustaining a prosperous economy and vibrant communities with the needs of this spectacular landscape. Whether you’re applying for planning permission, exploring conservation guidelines, or learning about planning policies, we’re here to help guide you through the process.

Navigate through planning

Two large semi-detached two storey slate lake district cottages with well kept gardens, a dry stone wall, gravel driveway and surrounding trees Planning permission
lake district national park planning officer walking out of stone building doorway next to older male farmer Planning applications
looking down single land street with rural houses on left and right, fell in backdrop Planning policy
lake district national park planning officer holding white paper in front of a stone building Planning enforcement

Further planning information

lake district national park planning officer holding white paper in front of a stone building

Compliance and enforcement

How we manage planning enforcement, monitor implementation of planning permissions, investigate alleged cases of unauthorised development, and take action where appropriate. Plus how to report a concern.

Compliance information
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Trees and hedgerows

Guidance and planning on trees and hedgerows in the Lake District.

Trees and hedgerows
landscape view of longsleddale valley. lush green fields intersected by dry stone walls, a vehicle track, farm house and trees. distant fells in backdrop

Telecommunications development

Government grants planning permission for a wide range of telecoms developments, including new poles, to proceed without application. Find out more about telecoms developments in the Lake District.

Telecommunications FAQs
misty landscape view of borrowdale valley, backdrop fells, foreground autumnal woodland and keswick town

Our Local Plan

The Local Plan 2020 to 2035 sets out the strategy for all new development in the Lake District. Local Plans are where some of the big decisions on planning for the future of our communities and use of land are made.

Read the plan
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Contact the planning team

Our team work across multiple offices, remotely, and out in the national park. Please do not travel to our offices without an appointment – you are likely to be disappointed and unable to meet a team member.

There is a duty planner available Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:00pm for general telephone advice, call 01539 724555.

Email us at planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk. If you are commenting on a planning application please quote the application reference number.

Contact the planning team

Conservation, nature and planning

Conservation
Conservation
Planning for nature recovery
Planning for nature recovery
Nutrient Neutrality
Nutrient Neutrality

Useful pages

Applying for planning permission

How to apply for planning permission, validation checklists and forms.

lake district national park planning officer holding a file listening to older male farmer stood in front of stone building

Planning advice

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Planning guides

Understand how we use our planning policies in particular circumstances, and use our validation checklists to determine what information we require with an application.

Committees

Learn about how our staff and members meet regularly to discuss issues.

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