Planning

The preparation of local plans for the new authorities provides an opportunity to be far more ambitious for Cumbria in protecting our landscapes and cultural heritage, as well as in treating the climate and ecological crises as the emergencies they are.

It’s also an opportunity for Cumbria’s local plans to be more connected and mutually complementary in order to deliver the best for Cumbria and fulfull its potential, particularly in relation to transport.

We ask you to call for plans and decisions that:

recognise and respond to the true value of landscapes and their features and character, visual amenity, cultural heritage and wildlife and the true urgency of the need to tackle the climate and ecological crises
genuinely prioritise the re-use of existing buildings and brownfield sites for new development; support the revitalisation of town and village centres and create communities that make active travel and public transport safe, appealing and convenient
consider and support imaginative ways to make more efficient use of the existing building stock and to ensure that additional homes do not result in the loss of or harm to landscapes, green spaces, heritage and habitats, but instead create and enhance these
turn the tide on the number of homes lost from the local market through high levels of second-home ownership and holiday letting and ensure that new homes closely reflect genuine local needs in relation to size, type, tenure and affordability
require new development to be truly carbon neutral (right down to accounting for what is being lost by developing a site), energy and water efficient and with renewable technologies integrated into the design from the start
actively prioritise an approach to development that will nurture a role for Cumbria as a leader in the green jobs revolution

We ask you to make local plans that take a lead and put an end to the business-as-usual approaches to housing, transport and economic development that are failing Cumbria’s communities and our environment.

Latest

Poster Competition

Friends of the Lake District is 90 years old! To celebrate our birthday, we want to develop a vision for Cumbria’s landscapes for the next 90 years and we're asking children and young people to help us by designing a poster to show how they want the landscape to look.
17 April 2024: Clean stones and corners at Mazonwath

It was the first dry day in months for the workparty at Mazonwath, which meant there was plenty of work to be done on the dry stone walls.
Postcard From the Lakes: April 2024

Our Elterwater protest rally made print, TV and radio news headlines. Thanks to everyone who came along. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers, recycling tree tubes at Gillside and Rusland woods, and took part in our Great Cumbrian Litter Pick.
Cumbria & Lakeland Walker Magazine

3-issue subscription to Cumbria and Lakeland Walker magazine for only £1.00

Sustainable Transport

Building on the Cumbria Transport Infrastructure Plan and the Lake District National Park Management Plan, we should prioritise the decarbonisation of transport in the County. We need to provide people with alternatives to the private car by increasing access to public transport, making mobility a service (e.g. ride-sharing, business-supplied transport for workers), ensuring access to hyper-fast broadband and reducing the need to travel.
Energy Generation

To address the energy supply crisis we should support the installation of renewable energy schemes where they can be sensitively accommodated in the landscape and where there would be no significant impact on protected landscapes or habitats. Local communities must be involved and should benefit from any installation.
Health and Wellbeing

We should recognise the many benefits of interacting with nature, including the mental and physical health of Cumbrian residents. Protecting and enhancing our green spaces and the rural environment should be a priority for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
Dark Skies

We should promote planning policies to prevent light pollution to save much needed energy, protect biodiversity and give unspoiled Dark Skies back to residents and visitors. This needs to involve the continuation of the innovative and successful work by Cumbria Highways to renew street lighting.
Wildlife, Habitats and Green Infrastructure

The new authorities have opportunities to enhance the wildlife value of the estates they own and manage such as parks, roadside verges, woodlands, trees and properties. Biodiversity gain focussed on native species should be incorporated into their decision making. Local authorities should ensure that all their policymaking and planning decisions create, restore and enhance as much wildlife habitat as possible.
Water

Our County’s rivers, lakes and streams are vital for people and wildlife and must be kept clean and free of pollution. The new authorities must ensure that water quality is monitored properly. Quick and effective action must be taken to control pollution and extraction demands, to keep our waterbodies clean and healthy for both people and wildlife.
Rural Communities and Agriculture

Our rural communities are facing many challenges, including an ageing population, second home ownership and loss of services such as shops, schools and public transport. The new authorities should support local businesses and locally produced food and goods and work in partnership with communities to ensure they are vital and resilient.
Common Land

The new authorities should work with partners to find a more sustainable future for Cumbria’s common land, protecting all stakeholders and the wide range of public benefits they deliver.
CUMBERLAND SPECIFIC: Geological Disposal Facility (GDF)

Any GDF agreed with Cumberland communities will need improved infrastructure such as power transmission lines and road, rail and sea links. The impact of the development of a GDF on the landscapes of Cumbria and the Lake District must be accounted for in the development of any plans.
National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

We ask new councillors to stand up for the special qualities of our National Parks and AONBs and their settings when making planning and other decisions. Protected landscapes are under increasing pressure from climate change, visitor demands and ever-more development. We must conserve and enhance the landscape so that future generations can continue to enjoy all the societal benefits that we do.

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Our Purpose

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.
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Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of people enjoying and protecting it.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR