The Lake District National Park Authority has scooped four prestigious awards for its planning.
It was named Planning Authority of the Year at the Royal Town Planning Institute (North West) Awards.
Judges said they were impressed with the authority’s resilience and dedication and with the improvements in its timely determination of planning applications. They noted its robust enforcement processes have resulted in the authority becoming one of the most active enforcement authorities in the country.
The Lake District National Park Authority also won Best Project (Natural Environment), Best Project overall and Best in Region – West Cumbria Pipeline (a joint entry with United Utilities).
It was also commended in Best Plan for Design Code category for its joint entry with consultants LUC.
The judges said: “Given its vital role in managing planning functions within the Lake District National Park and the English Lake District World Heritage Site the team excels in leadership across a wide variety of projects, including in nutrient neutrality across Cumbria, the Windermere Gateway development project, and the west coast water pipeline project. Along with their involvement in the Design Code Pathfinder Project and evolution of the Lake District Design Code.”
Steve Ratcliffe, Lake District National Park Authority’s director of sustainable development, said: “We are thrilled to have been named as the North West’s Planning Authority of the Year.
“This cements the sterling work being undertaken by our team at a time when resources are stretched, and we are busier than ever. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the team for their hard work and dedication and I hope they are as proud of the authority as I am.
“It’s equally satisfying that our various project work, both by our development management team and our Strategy team, is recognised. We are keen to be at the forefront of thinking and delivery. We now look forward to the national final in October.”
