What we're trying to achieve
[3.09.01] We want development in Distinctive Areas to effectively demonstrate the key themes of the Vision and reinforce the distinctiveness of place, whilst also enabling localised solutions to specific planning issues.
Policy 12: South Distinctive Area
Development in the South Distinctive Area will reinforce distinctiveness of place, deliver key themes of the Vision and enable local solutions to specific planning issues.
To achieve this we will:
- support enhancements to the A590 at Haverthwaite to improve road safety and community connectivity;
- support public realm enhancement of ‘The Squares’ in Hawkshead;
- support a public sewer between Lakeside and Newby Bridge;
- secure a Whole Estate Plan for the Graythwaite Estate, to include restoration of listed buildings, and expansion of new visitor accommodation and facilities where it demonstrates the development is needed to sustain the overall Estate and deliver wider public benefits. Sustainable transport connections need to be made available, both within the Estate and beyond, including by water;
- secure in partnership with relevant stakeholders a Masterplan(s) for key visitor destinations on the western shore of the northern basin of Windermere, including for Hilltop, Wray Castle and Low Wray campsite. The Masterplan(s) should enhance the visitor experience whilst further reducing the reliance on the private car, and include transport options which consider sustainable movement between the Ferry and Hawkshead to help enhance the visitor experience;
- support appropriate new low density small groupings of caravans and camping provision within or well related to Hawkshead where it improves and enhances the vibrancy of the village centre, where sustainable transport connections are made available, and where the proposal is consistent with site specific criteria in Policy 18 and other relevant policies;
- support appropriate new caravan and camping, adjacent to the Grizedale Centre, where it maximises forest cover, provides sustainable transport connections to Hawkshead; demonstrably minimises private car use; and benefits Hawkshead’s economy;
- support appropriate opportunities for a new covered maintenance shed and jetty for the Steam Yacht Gondola which has suitable highway and lake access;
- support appropriate additional car and coach parking in Coniston.
Implementation guidance
[3.09.03] The Distinctive Area policies aim to deliver the four themes of the Vision across the Distinctive Areas in the Lake District, as well as deliver tailored solutions to specific planning issues being experienced in certain parts of the Lake District.
[3.09.04] Applications for planning permission will still be considered against all relevant polices in the Local Plan to determine the acceptability of the proposal. For certain developments a project level Habitats Regulation Assessment may also be required having regard to the impact pathways identified in the Appropriate Assessment (2019).
Current situation
[3.09.02] First developed in 2010, Distinctive Areas refine the Spatial Strategy by setting out our intended approach for each of the five Distinctive Areas of the Lake District. They reflect the subtly distinctive characteristics, specific issues and challenges of each area that are in some ways unique from one another, thus making the strategy innovative, clearly spatial and locally distinctive. Distinctive Area solutions are designed to address specific planning issues in each area that would otherwise be considered different to the overall approach of the generic policies.
Figure 5: Lake District Distinctive Areas
