Search Is On For A New Kind Of Lake District ‘Park’

4 July 2008

A survey is taking place throughout the Lake District this summer to identify potential employment sites capable of providing crucial jobs within the national park.

As part of this survey – which is being funded through the Northwest Regional Development Agency and being carried out by the National Park Authority – landowners will be contacted to see if they would be willing to release parcels of land for much needed business use.

It’s estimated that by 2021 a number of sites will need to be converted from their present use into business premises in order to sustain the Lake District’s economy. The LDNPA’s Planning and Communities Team will be looking at which sites could be designated as locations for businesses to subsequently provide employment opportunities for local people.

Leading the survey, Policy Planner Katrina Rice explained that the new Vision for the Lake District was a prosperous economy, maximising opportunities to generate a wider range of businesses and jobs.

“We need to look closely now at which areas will be really suitable for two new business parks and one start-up incubator business park, which together will help provide the much needed jobs the national park requires.

“We are very keen to work with current land owners and it is important that they respond when contacted, as we need to know if they are willing to release land for business development,” Katrina said.

The Executive Director of Development at the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Peter White, added: “Diversifying and strengthening the Lake District’s economic base is essential to securing a sustainable future for the area.

“This survey is an important step in helping to grow the rural economy. The provision of employment opportunities is central to creating sustainable communities within the National Park.”

More information regarding the identified shortfall of employment land identified last year, can be found in the Employment Sites and Premises Study on the LDNPA’s website www.lake-district.gov.uk/ldf