The Lake District National Park Local Development Framework Core Strategy and South Lakeland Local Development Framework Core Strategy have both now reached the final ‘Submission' stages of preparation. The Strategies set the overall context for the respective authorities' Local Development Frameworks, which will govern how land is allocated for house building and industry within South Lakeland and the national park. Both documents have been published for a statutory period of public consultation, allowing for stakeholders to comment on the content of the Plans, prior to them being submitted for assessment by an independent inspector. This process culminates in examination in public of the development plan document, where outstanding issues are discussed.

At this stage, representations can only be made relating to Legal Compliance and Soundness. These tests derive from primary legislation contained in the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, and are reflected in Planning Policy Statement 12 'Local Spatial Planning', paragraphs 4.50-4.52.

Changes to policy wording can only be proposed on the grounds that the existing policy is unsound, or not legally compliant. In Friends of the Lake District's experience of previous publication stage development plan documents, the strongest grounds to argue that changes could be made are consistency with national and regional policy, and adequacy of the evidence base.

Whilst it is possible therefore to achieve changes to policy at this stage, and we will be submitting representations on some specific issues, it is key to note that commenting at this stage is not particularly easy for the 'layman', as some knowledge of planning legislation is required in order to develop an effective argument.

Consultation on the South Lakeland District Council Core Strategy ends on 23rd October. Consultation on the Lake District National Park Authority Core Strategy ends on 30th October.