Businesses across Penrith are being encouraged to help shape the future of Westmorland and Furness by taking part in the Local Plan Scoping Consultation.
Westmorland and Furness Council is preparing a new Local Plan for the area (excluding the National Parks), which will guide how the district grows and develops in the years ahead. Once adopted, it will replace the Local Plans previously produced by the former district councils.
The Local Plan will play an important role in shaping where new homes, employment sites and infrastructure are developed, while helping to protect valued landscapes and green spaces. It will also include the planning policies used to determine future planning applications.
Why is the Local Plan important?
The Local Plan will help determine:
- How much new development is needed to support local communities
- Where new housing, employment land and other development should be located
- How development can best support people, businesses and the environment
- Which areas and green spaces should be protected from development
- Planning policies used to assess future planning applications
- Planning for minerals and waste development
As the Local Plan will influence the future of communities, infrastructure and employment across Westmorland and Furness, businesses are encouraged to share their views during this early stage of the process.
Have your say
The Scoping Consultation is now open and will run until 11 August 2026.
Whether your business is looking to grow, invest, recruit or develop new premises in the future, this is an opportunity to help shape the policies that will guide development across the area.
Take part in the consultation by completing the Local Plan Scoping Consultation Stakeholder Survey
By contributing your views now, you can help ensure the Local Plan reflects the needs and ambitions of businesses and communities across Westmorland and Furness.