The Planning Services section welcomes discussions on proposals prior to submitting an application. A duty planning officer is available for consultation at Mansion House from 8.45 to 5.15 Monday to Thursday and 8.45 to 16.45 on Fridays to speed up the application process and produce better quality outcomes.
We encourage pre-application discussions for a number of reasons:
- To help get things right first time
- To identify potential problems at an early stage
- To save time and money
- To speed up the decision making process
- To provide a better quality development
Before you submit an application you are always advised to contact us to discuss the likelihood of acceptability of your proposal as negotiations before submission could save a lot of time and money later on.
Applications within the Lake District National Park must be sent directly to the National Park Authority at Murley Moss,Oxenholme Road, Kendal. Eden District Council will be given the opportunity to make observations on proposals in the National Park.
Major Applications - Planning Performance Agreements (PPA)
If a proposal is large and complex we operate a Development Team approach where a meeting can be arranged so that all of the relevant officers can be present. Planning Performance Agreements (PPA) are seen by the Government as a means of speeding up the delivery of large scale applications, and applicants submitting major planning applications within Eden will be expected to enter into a Planning Performance Agreement with the Council. More details can be found in our PPA Charter and a template is also available below:
Things to consider when making a planning application
Every application requires different information to be provided in order for the planning officer to make an assessment and decision on the proposal.
There are some useful points to bear in mind when considering making an application:
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Neighbours: Your neighbours Planning applications are publicised and so your neighbours are likely to be notified of any application you submit. Approach your neighbours prior to submitting an application and identify any areas of concern they may have. This may avoid difficulties and delays later in the planning process.
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Design and Access: Different styles suit different properties and locations. The Eden Design Summary (PDF: 140Kb / 25 pages) has been produced to provide guidance on the design of development and the Design and Access Statement (PDF: 120 Kb / 4 pages) offers guidance on how to design the correct access route and produce an appropriate accompayning statement.
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Crime Prevention: Alterations to your home or business may make it more vulnerable to burglars. The Architectural Liaison Officer (Suzanne Kidger, Tel. 01768 212157) will be able to advise on ways of reducing risk. An advice leaflet Designing Out Crime (PDF: 31Kb / 2 pages) is also available.
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Lighting: You should make sure that the intensity and direction of any light fittings do not disturb others and that security lights with passive infra-red detectors or timing devices are not triggered by passing traffic or pedestrians.
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Listed Buildings: Some buildings are listed by virtue of their special architectural or historic interest and alterations to these structures may require listed building consent. For further information please see the Conservation page or go to English Heritage's website. A leaflet is also available.
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Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's) or by virtue of being located in a Conservation Area. Read more about Trees.
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Conservation Areas: These are designated by the Council where it is considered desirable to preserve or enhance the character of the area. Conservation Areas have added protection against poor or inappropriate development and certain works may require Conservation Area consent. A full list of the designated areas and further information can be found on the Conservation Area page. A leaflet Conservation Areas (PDF 96Kb / 2 pages) is also available.
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Protected Species: Certain species such as bats and barn owls are protected by law and so their presence must be ascertained before development commences on a site. Further information is available from the Natural England website.
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Planning Policies: Local, regional and national planning policy will determine the way your application will be considered. Further information is available through the Eden Local Development Framework page by the Planning Policy section or Communities and Local Government, Planning Cumbria and Government Office for the North West websites.
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Highways: The Highways department of Cumbria County Council examine the effect of a proposal on highway capacity issues, design and suitability of junction and highway layouts, and parking and service delivery arrangements. For further information please contact Capita Symonds, Cumbria Highways, Skirsgill Highways Depot, Skirgill, Penrith CA10 2BQ, telephone: Help Desk 0845 6096609
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Floodplains: Development on floodplains is strictly controlled. The Environment Agency website offers further information including a Flood Risk Map facility.
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Contaminated Land: The historic and current land uses can have a significant impact on development, see contaminated land.
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Shopfront and Advertisement Design: The Council adopted a Shopfront and Advertisement Design Supplementary Planning Document (PDF 1.48Mb / 33 pages) on 26 October 2006. The SPD sets out guidance for the design of shopfronts and advertisements across the whole of Eden District that lies outside the Lake District National Park. The Council will use this SPD to determine planning applications.
Further information can be found through the In need of pre-application advice (PDF 51Kb / pages) leaflet.
Contact Us
If you have any further queries about planning there is always a Duty Officer available during office hours:
| Monday-Thursday |
8.45am to 5.15pm |
| Friday |
8.45am to 4.45pm |
You can contact the duty officer by phone on (01768) 817817 or in person at Mansion House. If you wish to contact a specific officer see development control contact information.
