The planning system plays an important role in ensuring new development is appropriate and sustainable, and preventing harm to the area’s special qualities from inappropriate development.
Planning at a national level
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023) places a duty on all relevant authorities to ‘seek to further’ the purpose of National Landscape designation when carrying out their functions. This includes the planning process.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides specific guidance for development planning and decision-making in relation to National Landscapes. It confirms that ‘great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty’ (Paragraph 189) and that ‘permission should be refused for major development’ (Paragraph 190).
Planning in Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape
The responsibility for planning policy and decision-making in Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape rests with the two local planning authorities – Westmorland & Furness Council and Lancaster City Council.
The two Councils make planning decisions based on their Local Plans which both include a shared policy document relating specifically to the National Landscape, the Arnside & Silverdale Development Plan Document.
The Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape Executive Committee is a non-statutory consultee on planning matters. We provide landscape-related planning advice to both Councils to assist their decision-making process. The way we do this is set out in a formally agreed Planning Protocol.
Where to go for more information
For general information about all aspects of planning, please visit the Government’s Planning Portal.
For more information about and to download the Arnside & Silverdale Development Plan Document please visit our planning policy page.
For specific help and advice relating to planning in Silverdale, Warton or the Yealands, please contact Lancaster City Council.
For specific help and advice relating to planning matters in Arnside, Beetham and Storth, please contact Westmorland & Furness Council.