LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY (LDNPA)
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
November 2005
Contents
Page Number
1
Introduction .................................................................................
2
2
The Challenges Ahead…………….…………………. …… ..……..
2
3
Principles of Sustainable Tourism…………………………………
6
4
Examples of Good Practice .........................................................
6
5
Our Statutory Responsibilities ....................................................
11
6
Our Tourism Policies ..................................................................
12
7
Research and Monitoring ............................................................
13
Appendices
1
2
A Profile of Tourism in Cumbria and the Lake District National
15
Park……………………………………………………………………..
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LDNPA Tourism-Related Activities…………………………………. 17
3
Key LDNPA Contacts .................................................................
19
4
Special Qualities of the Lake District National Park ....................
20
5
Summary of Tourism Policies………………………………………
22
6
Some Policies Explained…………………………………………….
29
7
Further Reading……………………………………………………….
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30
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
This is our first ‘tourism statement’. We have produced it because we believe sustainable
tourism can bring widespread benefits – to our local economy, communities and
environment – and we want to play an active and positive role in its future development.
1.2
Our current work is wide-ranging: from the promotion of access and development of
sustainable transport initiatives, to the conservation of historic landscapes and
improvement of public places. Of our total budget of almost £9.5 million in 2004-2005, the
majority supported activities that directly and indirectly benefit tourists and tourism-related
business interests.
1.3 This document provides a source of reference about our tourism-related policies and
activities, but more importantly is a basis for dialogue. We know that tourism in the
National Park must be locally-focussed and dynamic, reflecting the needs of the industry
and based on robust information, and that we must have real partner ‘buy in’.
1.4 Our vision for tourism, expressed in the Lake District National Park Management Plan
2004, is one of an industry which is economically buoyant, with shared responsibility for
conserving and enhancing the special qualities that make the Lake District a unique worldclass destination.
1.5
Our next step - and we would like our partners to help us - is to revisit the tourism vision
to reflect fully the current needs of visitors, tourism businesses and local people. We want
to discuss openly the relevance of our existing tourism policies in a rapidly changing
environment and develop, as part of our Corporate Plan 2006-2009, a realistic tourism
action plan. This will indicate the activities we intend to support or deliver, and our
priorities and timescale in doing so.
2
THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
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2.1
Adapting to changing recreation and leisure pursuits
Meeting visitor expectations of better quality provision
Implementing new legislation, for example on access rights
Enhancing biodiversity for people to enjoy
Taking account of Government agendas such as social inclusion
Adopting the new planning system and engaging people more effectively
Maximising private investment through a positive planning framework
Implementing regulations, for example on water quality and energy conservation
Planning for climate change
Managing the effects of agricultural and forestry reforms
Preventing the loss of tranquillity whilst accommodating new technologies
Responding to possible boundary changes
Making sure that our work meets regional and national objectives
Tourism in the Lake District National Park, as elsewhere, is undergoing significant change
(Appendix 1). Research shows an increasing number of short breaks and out-of-season
breaks, as more people take their main holiday abroad, and self-catering holidays are
growing in popularity. Recent years have seen an increase in demand for second homes
and static caravans. Visitors to the National Park, from day and staying visitors to
business tourists and those visiting friends and relatives, are seeking out different types of
holiday and different experiences.
2.2 There has been a rise in active sport and recreation, including large-scale charity and
challenge events such as the Three Peaks Challenge, and a growing interest in nature2
based tourism. Visitors now expect better quality in every aspect of their visit from booking
arrangements and accommodation, to attractions and public places. Studies suggest,
however, that we are faced with a very mature tourism industry, an image that is beginning
to look tired, and increasing visitor dissatisfaction with facilities, especially the public
realm1. Importantly, the one thing that remains constant is that the majority of people
come to the Lake District National Park because of its spectacular scenery, and the peace
and quiet it offers.
2.3
The consequence for us, of these changing trends, is wide-ranging. We are receiving
more planning applications for extended periods of opening, improvements to properties,
conversions and changes of use, for example from touring to static caravans. We are
influencing the management of organised events by promoting good practice, and
spending more money, for example on repairing footpath erosion. We are implementing
the new public rights of access, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, by
providing information and advice to landowners and visitors, and making it easier for
people to access the fells for example through the provision of new gates and stiles. We
are also advising on nature tourism projects, for example the North West Wetlands
Network project, which aims to create new habitats, bring wildlife benefits and enable
people to learn more about wetland sites.
2.4 A recent study of recreational demand in National Parks2 has concluded that the traditional
focus on education, visitor management, and statutory access duties is shifting to a more
proactive approach to outdoor recreation. Policies are more positive, and there are now
many examples of exciting and innovative projects. The Guide to Good Practice includes a
number of examples from the Lake District National Park: the management of motorised
recreational vehicles, adoption of zoning policies on Bassenthwaite, and visitor monitoring
on the Keswick railway footpath and other routes3. This work allows us to identify the
needs of different visitor groups and minimise conflicts of interest.
2.5 We want to show that we are committed to the objectives set out in the Lake District
Renaissance programme: to revitalise the core Lake District product and raise the quality
of the visitor experience in and around the National Park. This will involve working with
partners, including other local authorities, to improve visitor facilities such as public toilets,
maintain public spaces to a higher standard, and encourage good urban design solutions
which do not dilute local distinctiveness. Our work, with Cumbria Tourist Board and others,
on the Windermere Bowness Enhancement Masterplan, will take this work forward and
accord with recommendations made in the North West Development Agency’s
commissioned report Lake District Economic Futures: The Way Forward.
2.6 We have taken account of the Panel’s Report on the Cumbria and Lake District Joint
Structure Plan 2001-2006 examination in public. Keswick, Ambleside, Windermere and
Bowness are now recognised as key service centres. The Market Towns Initiative is
assisting the regeneration of these settlements and underlies the importance of focusing
tourism investment in locations where it can provide the greatest benefit. We need to
demonstrate that our policies really can make a difference – in encouraging private
investment to help strengthen the local economy.
2.7 We will continue to advise on, and seek funding for, improvements to historic buildings
and settlements, including traffic management schemes, and have recently carried out a
review of our car park charges which aims to benefit motorists and businesses alike4. We
are helping to develop innovative and integrated sustainable transport initiatives, to
encourage people to leave their cars behind and use public transport where possible. We
want to make this an easy and inexpensive option and to link, where possible, with tourist
attractions, accommodation, walking and cycling routes. We support the concept of
3
county-wide cycle and equine tourism strategies which have the potential to further
National Park purposes.
2.8 Government agendas, for example on social inclusion, public participation and the new
planning system or ‘Local Development Framework’ mean we are encouraging new
audiences; young people, urban populations and minority groups including people with
disabilities, and finding new and better ways of actively involving people in decisionmaking. This means listening more carefully and engaging people more effectively. We
are looking at innovative ways of doing this. There will be an opportunity for everyone to
be involved in the review of our tourism development policies through the local
development framework. A review of our events programme has considered ways in which
we can reach a more diverse audience, in line with Government recommendations, and
reduce barriers so that our events are accessible to as many people as possible5.
2.9 Increasing regulations at national and European level, for example on waste disposal,
water quality and energy conservation, together with concerns about global warming,
mean that tourism businesses and local authorities, including us, are looking for better
ways to recycle and reuse resources. We want to increase awareness of the need to
conserve resources and act in a more sustainable way. Initiatives like Tourism-Landscape
Connect and the Responsible Tourism Scheme can assist businesses, from
accommodation providers to restaurant owners, to assess and manage proactively their
environmental performance and to consider the use of local products and services.
2.10 The issue of climate change needs to be firmly on our agenda and reflected in our
policies. We are faced with many uncertainties: our tourist areas, for example, are often
situated close to rivers and lakes that may be particularly sensitive to the effects of climate
change. Pressures on water resources may be exacerbated, resulting in lower rates of
flow and impacting on flora and fauna. Drier summers and wetter winters may lead to
landscape change, and to changes in visit patterns. These will have a knock-on effect on
visitor management. The UK Climate Impacts Programme is currently sponsoring
research with DEFRA, the North West Development Agency and Environment Agency into
climate change and the visitor economy in England’s North West and examining, as a
case study, footpath erosion in the Lake District National Park.
2.11 As a European Union partner, the U.K. is undergoing changes in farming subsidies,
including single farm payments and Environmental Stewardship. Forestry operations are
shifting from intensive timber production to more recreational provision. These changes
present new challenges: different forms of land management can have a significant impact
on the nature of the landscape and impact on the tourist’s experience of the National Park.
An experimental project at Ennerdale, for example, to encourage natural processes and
promote integrated forest and fell management is being monitored to assess the
landscape change and visitor reaction to it.
2.12 We can turn some of these land management issues to our advantage: The Lakeland
Herdwick Direct scheme, for example, helps to support local hill farmers, maintain
traditional farming practices and ensure that this native sheep breed survives. It makes a
direct link between producers and consumers and can raise tourists’ awareness of our
cultural heritage. The use of traditional breeds, which have an inherited instinct for their
own pasture, can also reduce the need for fencing on the fells, which are valued for their
openness and the freedom to roam. Sourcing produce, goods and services locally can be
an important part of a sustainable tourism industry.
2.13 The landscape changes brought about by shifts in agricultural and forestry practices have
been exacerbated by other factors. The demand for better communications and search for
alternative technologies, for example, has led to more planning applications for mobile
4
masts and wind farms. These features can have a significant cumulative effect, especially
in upland areas. Recent research, carried out for the Countryside Agency and Campaign
for the Protection of Rural England has drawn attention to the gradual loss of tranquillity
across the country through, for example, light pollution, aircraft and traffic noise, and
human impact – such as the presence of pylons and masts6 . Tranquillity is, for many
visitors, a key asset of all the National Parks and we must find acceptable ways to prevent
its erosion.
2.14 The Lake District is currently included on the Government’s tentative list of potential world
heritage sites. If selected and then successfully nominated, the site would be inscribed by
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). As an
Authority, we believe that world heritage site (WHS) inscription would bring protection for
more of the special qualities of the National Park and we resolved, in 2003, to support the
principle of seeking WHS status. The implications for the tourism industry are wideranging and have been the subject of an independent report commissioned by the North
West Development Agency7. Partner organisations will meet in January 2006 to discuss
the funding needed to pursuing inscription, and agree either to establish a joint, funded
partnership or obtain regional agreement to end the process.
2.15 The Countryside Agency has recently commissioned research into areas worthy of
National Park designation between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park 8.
The area of search to the east of the Lake District National Park boundary includes the
Birkbeck Fells Common, Winash, Borrowdale, Whinfell; Brigsteer and the River Kent.
Consultation on the boundary changes is expected to take place in 2006 when, as a
National Park Authority, we will agree and submit a formal response. The potential
implications of an extended boundary for us and other land managers, visitors, local
businesses and residents is significant.
2.16 The Government is placing a new emphasis on effective and co-ordinated partnership
working in tourism, and wants to see a clear allocation of responsibility. Its recent
publication ‘Tomorrow’s Tourism Today’ is concentrating on four key areas: marketing,
quality, skills and data, and it is monitoring the progress of local authorities, the tourism
industry, and development agencies in the delivery of these. Our activities fit well with the
Government’s agenda, for example by adopting comparable data collection methods and
pooling resources with other organisations and National Parks. The Government-led
Tourism Review and Implementation Group has highlighted the need for planning bodies
to be more aware of tourism and leisure, and for local authorities to work with the regional
development agencies to plan fully for tourism through the Local Development
Frameworks and Regional Spatial Strategies. We are involved, through the family of
National Parks, in this review process.
2.17 Government advice on Planning for Tourism (Planning Policy Guidance Note 21) will soon
be replaced by a good practice guide, to help the development of sustainable tourism via
the planning system. The guide is set within the context of ‘Securing the Future’ the UK
Sustainable Development Strategy and will complement existing national planning policy.
We are keen to adopt best practice and meet national objectives. We want to play an
active part in the delivery of regional and local strategies including Cumbria Tourist
Board’s ‘Destination Management Plan’, Rural Regeneration Cumbria’s ‘New Landscapes’
and the North West Development Agency’s ‘Strategy for Tourism in England’s North
West’. In doing so, we want others to fully understand our specific remit, to use our
expertise to add value to their work and help us, in turn, to achieve National Park
purposes.
1
2
Locum Destination Consulting (2003) Cumbria Tourism Market Forecasts
Demand for Outdoor Recreation in the English National Parks (2004) Sheffield Hallam University for the
Countryside Agency
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3
Promoting Outdoor Recreation in the English National Parks: Guide to Good Practice (2005) Sheffield
Hallam University for the Countryside Agency
4 Implementation Committee (19 September 2005) Car Parking: Review of Current Charges
5 Implementation Committee (19 September 2005) The Future of Our Volunteer led Events
6 Countryside Agency, Campaign to Protect Rural England (2005) Mapping Tranquillity. Defining and
Assessing a Valuable Resource.
7 Policy and Overview Committee (26 May 2005) World Heritage Site Inscription.
8 Authority Meeting (5 July 2005) Countryside Agency Search for Land Worthy of National Park Designation in
the North West of England.
3
PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
3.1
In 2004, the Countryside Agency, together with DEFRA, Visit Britain, Department for
Culture Media and Sport, National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
and the Association of National Park Authorities published ‘Beyond the Picturesque.
Principles for Sustainable Tourism in National Parks and AONBs’.
3.2
The principles aim to foster a sustainable tourism industry – one in which environmental,
economic and community well-being are promoted and enhanced – through:
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Sharing responsibility (through joint working and the establishment of permanent forums
to involve all relevant stakeholders);
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Agreeing a tourism strategy (related to the National Park Management Plan and providing
the basis for joint working);
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Basing tourism on the area’s special qualities (ensuring that the level and type of activity
take account of National Park qualities, including tranquillity);
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Providing a quality experience for all visitors (with an emphasis on access for all and
quality of experience rather than quantity of visitors);
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Reducing the environmental impact of tourism (by assessing the impact of developments,
and encouraging enterprises to reduce energy and water consumption, pollution and
waste);
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Raising awareness and supporting conservation (through accurate information, creative
interpretation, and tourism-sector support for practical conservation initiatives);
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Bringing more benefit to the local economy (by making use of local skills, resources,
products and services); and
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Engaging with the local community (by involving local communities in tourism
development and management).
3.3
These principles can be translated into really effective schemes - like the ones illustrated
below - that have community, economic and environmental benefits. We are keen to work
with partners to develop, fund and support such projects, and to identify and promote
good local examples. We already have close links with other National Park Authorities, for
example through a Sustainable Tourism Working Group, to encourage and exchange best
practice.
4
EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE
4.1
The following examples – just some of our tourism-related activities - demonstrate how we
are applying the principles of sustainable tourism, with partners, in our work. A
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comprehensive list of our activities is shown in Appendix 2. If you would like more
information on any of the schemes please call us. We have provided a list of key contacts
in Appendix 3.
Public Places: Derwentwater Foreshore, Keswick
4.2 An exciting scheme to invigorate the Derwentwater foreshore at Keswick has been under
development for some years, and its regeneration and conservation is a key element of an
overall lakeside strategy. The area has been a popular tourist attraction since early
Victorian times. Construction of the railway links to Keswick in 1865 - coinciding with the
growing “romantic sublime” landscape movement as developed by Wordsworth, the Lakes
Poets and Ruskin - ensured a steady flow of tourists to the site. The dramatic scenery at
the heart of the experience would, for many, be enhanced by a trip on a steam-powered
launch. The experience of those Victorian tourists is echoed still by the thousands who
visit annually and the site is a much-valued resource for local people. In essence, it has
changed little since Victorian times but has been subject to piecemeal, sometimes
inappropriate, repair and minor development over the years to cope with the heavy volume
of pedestrian traffic. Quite literally, it is worn out.
4.3 The steering group, which includes the Lake District National Park Authority, Allerdale
Borough Council, Keswick Town Council, Keswick Civic Trust and the National Trust was
successful in securing a project development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in early
2005. We have donated £30,000 to the project together with significant staff time. The
availability of funding and expertise has enabled significant and sensitively-designed
improvement work to be carried out from Lake Road to Friars Crag, and links well with the
recently restored Keswick town centre.
4.4 The second phase aims to restore the foreshore to a recreation area, with strong links to
its heritage and to a quality appropriate to the dramatic landscape setting. This will include
improvements to the physical environment, new paving materials, furniture and so on; and
better access to make the space more welcoming and the experience more enjoyable and
memorable. If funding applications are successful, the on-site improvements should start
in late 2006 and take approximately 12 months to complete.
Public Places: Windermere and Bowness Enhancement Masterplan
4.5 The Windermere and Bowness Enhancement Masterplan is one pilot scheme within the
Lake District Renaissance project. It aims is to make the settlement centres more
pedestrian-friendly and create an atmosphere which encourages people to stay longer and
use local shops and services.
4.6
We are keen to continue our involvement in this project, working in partnership with
Cumbria Tourist Board, South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council. As
an Authority, we support the principles, ideas and opportunities highlighted in the
Masterplan and will champion some of the actions required through our corporate planning
process. By participating, we can demonstrate our willingness to adopt the guidelines set
out for local authorities in the North West Development Agency’s ‘Great Destinations: A
Partnership Approach to Tourism in England’s Northwest’.
Car-Free Travel Initiatives: The ‘B4 Network’ and ‘Give the Driver a Break’
4.7 The B4 network (bus, boat, bike and boot) was set up to provide attractive, integrated and
alternative means of travel to the private car and serves the needs of visitors and local
people travelling to and within the Coniston, Grizedale and Hawkshead areas. Partners
include Windermere Lake Cruises, Coniston Ferry Services, Mountain Goat Ltd, Grizedale
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Mountain Bikes, Steam Experiences Ltd, the National Trust, the Forestry Commission,
Cumbria County Council, and the Tourism and Conservation Partnership.
4.8 The B4 network has, at its heart, a boat-bus-boat service called the Cross Lakes Shuttle
which links the lakes of Windermere and Coniston Water and services the honey pot sites
of Hawkshead, Grizedale and Tarn Hows. The Shuttle has an integrated timetable and
through-ticketing and there are cycle racks on the boats and minibuses that provide the
service. As part of the initiative we have identified, designed and constructed strategic
traffic-free links for cyclists and walkers. This has created a safer and more attractive
network of paths linking shuttle boat and bus stops with tourist attractions, towns and
villages. Information about the Cross Lakes Shuttle includes details of local tourist
attractions and there are negotiated discount packages for Cross Lakes Shuttle users.
4.9 Visitor monitoring highlights the popularity of the service: In 2003, for example, the Cross
Lakes Shuttle carried over 5,000 customers, 57% had a car available that they chose not
to use, and 92% of customers described the service as good or very good. Indeed, the B4
network has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
4.10 Our commitment to the promotion, development and use of sustainable travel options is
also reflected in our Authority-led ‘Give the Driver a Break’ CareFree initiative. In
partnership with Cumbria County Council, Friends of the Lake District and Stagecoach, we
have produced a series of leaflets which encourage visitors to leave their cars behind and
travel by alternative and often unusual means of transport - steam train, open-topped bus,
and traditional timber launch – throughout the National Park.
4.11 Both of these innovative schemes - the B4 Network and Give the Driver a Break Scheme have recently been acknowledged in the Good Practice Guide of Integrated Transport
Measures in National Parks commissioned by the Department of Transport and DEFRA.
The Sustainable Development Fund
4.12 We are assisting a number of projects through the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF),
which was set up with support from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (DEFRA). This year we received £200,000 from DEFRA to help finance suitable
schemes. The following are just a few examples of tourism-related initiatives which have
benefited from this fund and which help to further National Park purposes.
4.13 The Country Lanes Cycle Centre, Windermere, operates cycling day trips and short
breaks, and promotes cycling locally and nationally as a sustainable form of transport. It
works in partnership with First North Western Rail and Cumbria Tourist Board. The
initiative has led to the creation of two new jobs and offers cycling proficiency training, free
of charge, to local schools. The new premises, adjacent to Windermere station, are fitted
with photovoltaic solar panels. The scheme received £22,500 from the SDF towards the
solar panel, electronic marketing, cycle proficiency and maintenance courses locally.
4.14 The Lakeland Camping Barns Joint Marketing Project has aimed, through direct
marketing, to increase occupancy levels in camping barns throughout the Lake District,
and to develop cycling and walking routes between barns. The camping barns are usually
converted stables, corn stores or cattle byres. The network provides a supplementary
income for farmers whilst offering simple and affordable accommodation to all social,
ethnic and age groups.
4.15 The Rydal Hall Garden Restoration Project provides a unique ‘eco-educational’
experience for both residential and day visitors. It includes repair and replanting of the
walled garden to produce organic produce for the hall, youth centre and café, and
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installation of interpretation panels in the education centre and grounds. These give
information on Rydal Hall’s hydro-electric power scheme and its sustainable estate
management, demonstrating the possible links between renewable energy and organic
produce.
4.16 The Low Bridge End Farm woodland display, which is within part of a traditional hay
barn, informs visitors about the history and ecology of farm woodlands in Cumbria and
their sustainable management. Exhibits include items produced from sustainable and nonsustainable resources. The barn is linked to adjoining farm woodland where visitors can
see sustainable management in practice.
4.17 Solar Passenger Boat, Coniston. Coniston Ferry Services has created the first solarpowered passenger boat in the Lake District by converting a traditional 1920s diesel
powered launch to electric power, provided in part by solar panels mounted in the roof of
the boat. The boat is a popular attraction for visitors to Coniston Water and can help to
raise awareness of the importance of renewable energy and the need to reduce carbon
emissions.
4.18 The Hidden Britain Centres Project helped to address some of the social and economic
problems which followed the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. It gave Cumbrian
communities an opportunity to develop innovative, sustainable, community-owned and led
initiatives. In Gosforth and Wasdale, local people have designed interpretative and
informative material, including a guide booklet and website, which they hope will
encourage visitors to stay longer and spend locally.
4.19 Pooley Bridge Farmers’ Market. Farmers’ markets are a popular resource for both local
people and visitors. A grant from the Sustainable Development Fund has helped to
increase the number of stalls at the Pooley Bridge farmers’ market, allowing more farmers
to use it. The market helps to raise awareness of the link between farming and the
countryside through exhibitions and demonstrations. Customers are encouraged to visit
local farms to see how livestock are reared.
A Tourist Attraction: The Eskdale Trail and Dalegarth Station
4.20 The Eskdale Trail is a cycle route between Ravenglass and Dalegarth Station in the Esk
valley on the west coast. The trail was established to encourage visitors and locals to
cycle, create and promote safe and convenient access to the countryside, provide a tourist
facility that did not increase the level of recreational motorised traffic in the valley, and
extend the range of cycle accessible attractions and facilities in West Cumbria. The
initiative was led by Cumbria Tourist Board, and partners included ourselves, the
Ravenglass and Eskdale railway and Muncaster Castle.
4.21 The Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway was identified as an existing attraction that
could provide a sustainable way for cyclists to access the Eskdale valley, and a number of
train carriages were customised to carry bikes. A route for cyclists from Dalegarth to
Ravenglass stations was identified, the scheme involved draining and surfacing in local
granite in keeping with a landscape sensitive to change. A route guide was produced, new
cycle parking introduced at Ravenglass station and Muncaster on route, and a new
permissive cycleway agreed at Muncaster to provide the missing link on the trail. A
monitoring programme was established to profile customers, count bridleway usage and
explore the potential for cycle hire at Ravenglass station.
4.22 Promotion of the trail is encouraging walkers as well as cyclists to take the steam railway
and the trail has added value to the existing tourist attractions of the Ravenglass and
Eskdale railway and Muncaster castle which is on route. The Eskdale Trail has tested our
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policy on ‘Quieter Areas’ which are not normally promoted in order to retain areas of the
National Park that feel remote. Early monitoring showed that use of the railway by bikes
jumped from 41 carried informally in 2002 to 652 in 2003. 65% of car visitors said they
would be encouraged to cycle if cycle hire was made available, and this has since been
provided.
4.23 A separate but complementary initiative has been the redevelopment of Dalegarth station.
The original facilities comprised a 1930s timber building with felt roof, which housed the
ticket office, shop and cafe, open shelter and toilet block. The station occupies a unique
location in terms of heritage and landscape value and is an important tourist destination.
There are no specific development plan policies dealing with replacement of existing
tourist facilities and the application was therefore judged on its merit in terms of design
and impact on environment.
4.24 Negotiations between the developers and planners have ensured that the final structure,
in both design and materials, relates well to the railway heritage of the site and the
vernacular architecture of Eskdale. This has included attention to detail like the type of
slate used, external finish and landscaping. The new building can accommodate groups of
visitors more easily, provides better facilities, including facilities for disabled users, and a
lower floor gives more flexibility in its overall use. Upgrading has improved the financial
sustainability of the railway company, an important consideration given its significance to
the local economy of the Eskdale valley.
Planning for Tourism: Byresteads Farm, Cockermouth
4.25 One of the special qualities of the National Park is its distinctive settlement character,
architecture and use of local building materials. A recent barn conversion at Byresteads
Farm, Cockermouth has shown how, by sympathetic restoration, buildings can be brought
back into use, in this case to provide tourist accommodation which helps to supplement
farm income, whilst ensuring their repair and retention, and helping to enhance the
character of the site. The application at Byresteads, comprised the change of use of a
group of traditional buildings which included an earlier farmstead to form a new 11
bedroom bed and breakfast enterprise linked to the adjacent working farm.
4.26 The application was acceptable in policy terms, including Local Plan Policy T3 which
relates to proposals for the conversion of buildings to hotel or guest house use. Such
development is acceptable subject to a number of criteria: that the building is capable of
conversion without major extension, rebuilding or alteration, without harm to amenity, and
doesn’t give rise to unacceptable level of traffic generation. Other policy areas also
applied, including development in open countryside, farm diversification, and policies
relating to agricultural and forestry buildings.
4.27 The applicants, agents, planners and building conservation officer were all involved in
discussing and negotiating the detail of the scheme. Conditions of approval, for example,
insisted on the use of traditional materials: that the roof was covered in local green slate,
in other words mined or quarried in the Lake District National Park, and riven not sawn,
that the facing stone matched (in terms of size, methods of laying, pointing and jointing
details) the appearance, colour and texture of the local stone walls of the existing building,
that external walls were completed with a finish of roughcast in which the final coat
contained a preparation of fairly coarse aggregate, and all new doors, windows and
external joinery were to be of timber construction. The conversion included wildlife
considerations to accommodate swallows, owls and bats.
4.28 The resulting scheme has retained, reflected and restored the historic character and
appearance of the buildings and their settings with the minimum of alteration and,
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importantly has enhanced the character of this part of the National Park. It received a
Royal Town Planning Institute Award in 2004.
Raising Awareness: A National Park Brand
4.29 We have been working with the other National Park Authorities, VisitBritain, VisitScotland
and the Welsh Tourist Board to create a tourism brand for the National Parks of Great
Britain: Britain’s Breathing Spaces.
4.30 The brand promotes the concepts of National Parks as places of inspiration, fragile
landscapes, working communities and challenging environments for all. The brand
conveys a co-ordinated message about all of the National Parks and provides a
mechanism by which individual National Park Authorities can raise awareness of National
Park purposes locally.
4.31 We will work with partners to see how the branding can be incorporated into publications
and promotional material and used to influence and manage visitor behaviour, including
the dispersal of visitor activity within and around the National Park.
5
OUR STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 As a National Park Authority, our tourism - related activities are determined, and
influenced by the provisions of the 1995 Environment Act. National Park purposes, as set
out in the Environment Act 1995, are to:
Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National
Parks; and
Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities (of the
Parks) by the public.
The 1995 Act makes clear that if these purposes are in acute conflict then conservation
must have priority: this is known as the ‘Sandford Principle’.
5.2
As a National Park Authority we have a duty, in pursuing National Park purposes, to:
‘Seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the
National Park by working closely with the agencies and local authorities responsible for
these matters, but without incurring significant expenditure’.
5.3
As the planning authority for the National Park, we also have responsibility for the control
of development, and the allocation and use of land. We are not an economic development
agency and cannot, within our statutory powers, put significant funding into economic
development. We can, however, create the conditions - for example through a positive
planning framework - which attract investment and which in turn lead to positive economic
and social benefits. We have an opportunity to do this, with others, through the new
planning system: the Local Development Framework and Regional Spatial Strategy. We
are in broad agreement with the wide-ranging proposals made in the North West Regional
Economic Strategy and Lake District Economic Futures Reports. Our full response to the
consultation on these reports can be obtained from the Community Development team.
5.4
All relevant authorities and public bodies, such as District Councils, the Utilities
Companies and Regional Development Agencies are required, under Section 62 of the
Environment Act, to take National Park purposes into account when they make decisions
or carry out activities which might affect the National Park:
11
‘In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in a
National Park, any relevant authority shall have regard to National Park purposes…and if
it appears that there is a conflict between those purposes shall attach greater weight to
the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
of the area comprised in the National Park’.
5.5
Government guidance on Section 62 (Section 11 of the 1949 National Parks and Access
to the Countryside Act) is available on www.defra.gov.uk/wildlifecountryside/issues/landscap/natparks.htm. Alternatively, we can provide you with a copy.
We encourage everyone to contact us, if they are in doubt as to the outcome or
consequences of their decisions or activities. We strongly believe that a high quality
environment provides the foundation for a thriving tourism industry.
6
OUR TOURISM POLICIES
6.1
Whether you go wild camping on the high fells, take a boat trip on Windermere or run a
guest house in Wasdale, the conditions that enable you to do these things, and your
experience of them, are partly shaped by planning and management policies for the Lake
District National Park, and by our delivery of them. Our policies, developed in consultation
with others, aim to protect the special qualities of the National Park, enhance the
experience of visitors, and look after the interests of tourists, residents and local
businesses alike (Appendix 4).
6.2
The thrust of our tourism policies is simple:




we would like to see a tourism sector which supports National Park purposes and where
there is an emphasis on local skills, materials and produce, and the re-use of buildings.
we want to provide the conditions for tourism businesses to flourish and for visitor stay
and spend to be maximised.
we are keen to encourage quality and good design, and a scale of building, facilities and
activities which respects the landscape and its communities.
we want everyone to come and enjoy the special qualities of the National Park, put
something back into the local economy and environment, and leave with a better
understanding and appreciation of what National Parks are all about.
6.3
Our policies have been developed and adopted through statutory processes, including the
Local Plan Inquiry (1994) and Examination in Public on the Joint Structure Plan (2004)
and are contained in the following plans:

Lake District National Park Management Plan 2004: Sets out the vision, long-term aims,
guiding principles and policies for managing the National Park
Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016: Contains broad county-wide
policies for the control of development and allocation and use of land.
Lake District National Park Local Plan 1998: Contains detailed policies for the control of
development and allocation and use of land in the National Park.


These documents are available from the LDNPA on 01539 724555 or can be viewed on
our website www.lake-district.gov.uk.
6.4 A summary of the tourism policies is provided in Appendix 5 for reference, but you may
also wish to refer to the explanatory text provided in the plans. Other policies in the
statutory plans, for example on land management, recreation, traffic and transport and
housing will also be relevant to tourism development and management.
12
6.5
Importantly, there will be an opportunity for everyone to engage in the review of our
tourism development policies through the Local Development Framework (LDF) which is
replacing the current development plan system. Under the LDF we have produced a
Statement of Community Involvement to explain how we intend to engage local people,
business interests and others in our future policy-making process. For up to date
information on the LDF timetable contact the Community Development Team on 01539
792673.
6.6
Consultation on the Lake District National Park Management Plan 2004 and Cumbria and
Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016 review has indicated that a few of our
policies, for example on quiet enjoyment and Quieter Areas, are occasionally
misunderstood or misinterpreted. We have provided further explanation in Appendix 6.
7
RESEARCH AND MONITORING
7.1
We want our tourism policies and management activities to be based on robust, accurate
and up-to-date information, and we have an on-going programme of research and
monitoring. We carry out this work with our staff and volunteers, or through commissioned
research. Wherever possible we pool resources, with other National Park Authorities or
with partner organisations. We are currently involved in:
Research
England Day Visit Survey
2005-2006 (Countryside
Agency-led research)
Rights of Way Improvement
Planning Research
Visitor Surveys and Bird
Counts, Bassenthwaite
5-Yearly Lake Surveys
Charity and Challenge
Event Recording
Aim
To determine visitor
numbers and monitor visitor
profile, activity, awareness
of national park purposes,
and satisfaction levels
To understand the needs
and preferences of key
audiences for countryside
access and recreation
To monitor the effectiveness
of conservation and
recreation policies in the
Bassenthwaite management
plan
To determine the volume
and different type of craft in
different areas on the larger
lakes
To determine type, scale
and location of charity and
challenge events
Economic Impact of Tourism To assess visitor spend,
Research
tourism-related jobs and
number of visitors.
Eskdale Trail and B4
Network Monitoring
To determine the numbers
of visitors using the trail and
network
13
Use
To help target visitor
information and focus
resources more effectively.
To establish what type of
provision would increase
frequency of use, enhance
experience, and give
greater choice. To target
new audiences
To decide whether to
introduce new management
measures e.g. revised
permit system
To compare density levels
and to inform lake
management e.g. zoning
policies
To inform the review of the
current code of conduct
To assess the health of the
tourism industry by
collecting long term trend
data
To inform the approach to
marketing, improve the
service and investigate its
benefit to the local economy
and local travel patterns
7.2
We are also working with partners on a ‘State of the Lake District National Park Report’ to
inform the next National Park Management Plan. We have agreed an initial number of
tourism indicators, which we will measure annually. These reflect the health of the tourism
industry together with the contribution of tourism towards sustainable development. They
include the data gathered from the economic impact of tourism research, together with
accommodation type and occupancy levels, businesses participating in the Responsible
Tourism Scheme and money raised through the Lake District Tourism and Conservation
Partnership. The first State of the Park Report will be published later this year.
14
APPENDIX 1 – A PROFILE OF TOURISM IN CUMBRIA AND THE LAKE DISTRICT
NATIONAL PARK
A recent study of visitors to Cumbria has shown that:



The dominant market segment is the over 50s (particularly couples using their own
transport to take short breaks).
Forty four per cent of all visitors come from 2 regions: the North and North West.
One in four visitors live within one and a half to two hours drive time of the heart of the
county. In terms of distance more than a third (36%) of visitors live between 91 and 180
km (57-112 miles) and a further quarter (26%) live more than 360 km (224 miles) from
the centre of the county.
Source: Cumbria Tourist Board’s ‘Cumbria Visitor Profile 2002’
Other research carried out in 2002 to inform a forecasts study has also provided information on
visitor profile and activities. Surveys carried out in a number of National Park towns, villages
and tourist centres including Grizedale and Whinlatter showed that:










Most people were on holiday (80%) and normally lived outside of Cumbria but within the
UK .
25% of visitors were aged 35-44 and 67% were with partners or spouses.
Most visitors were within the CAMEO category of ‘wealthy retired’, smaller family homes
and less affluent older’ groups.
More than one in five had made the decision to visit Cumbria within the last week.
Over half (54%) of all those interviewed had not used any information sources when
deciding to visit and a further 14% had used the Internet.
85% had visited Cumbria before and most people had made multiple previous visits.
Over 90% had made previous visits during June to August but out-of -season visits were
also common: 51% of visitors questioned had been between December and February.
The most common length of stay was 3-4 nights and one third of visitors were staying in
serviced accommodation.
The main mode of transport to Cumbria was car (85%) but slightly fewer people (74%)
appeared to use their cars once at their destination.
In terms of activities, 40% went sightseeing by car, 65% for short walks, 64% shopping
and 39% on long walks of over 2 miles.
Source: Cumbria Tourism Survey 2002 Report of Findings
Figures relating to the economic impact of tourism in the Lake District National Park from 20002003 show that that tourism revenue, tourist days and tourism-related jobs were higher in 2003
compared to 2000. During the four year period, the Lake District National Park accounted for
over half the tourism spend and tourism-related jobs county-wide. The 2001 figures reflect the
impact of the foot and mouth outbreak, when visitor revenue fell by 6.6% in the National Park.
Year
Tourism
revenue
(£millions)
2000 524.01
2001 489.54
2002 564.47
Tourism
revenue
(% of
county
total)
Tourist
Tourist
days
days (%
(millions) of county
total)
Tourismrelated jobs
(full-time
equivalents)
Tourismrelated jobs
(% of
county
total)
Tourismrelated jobs
(estimated
total)
53.9
53.6
53.7
14.2
13.1
14.8
12,227
11,714
12,689
52.8
52.5
52.3
21,030
20,148
21,825
53.5
52.7
53.2
15
2003 591.56
2004 602.23
53.8
53.8
15.3
15.7
53.0
53.4
13,084
13,542
52.2
52.3
22,505
23,292
The tourism spend information is indexed to 2004. This is to make sure that the financial data is
comparable across the five year period. All the figures are based on the most up-to-date local
information.
Bed-stock figures show a total of 61,318 bed spaces in the Lake District National Park in 2004.
Type of accommodation
Bedspaces (number)
Bedspaces (% of county total)
Serviced Accommodation
Non-serviced accommodation
Total
17,373
43,945
61,318
49.1
57.3
54.7
The average length of stay in 2004 was 1.8 days (this includes serviced and non-serviced
accommodation together with day visitors and visitors staying with friends and relatives).
Source: Global Tourism Solutions UK Ltd (2003) Cumbria STEAM Model Trends 2000 to 2003
Tourism trends show:
 An increase in tourism revenue, tourism-related jobs, visitor numbers and visitor days since
2000.
 A decline in long holidays and increase in short breaks.
 A shift from serviced to self-catering accommodation, especially for longer breaks.
 Seasonal variations in tourist activity and tourism revenue with significantly higher visitor
numbers and tourism revenue from April to October.
 A lengthening of season with short breaks increasingly taken throughout the year.
 An increase in serviced accommodation occupancy rates.
 An increase in visits to the county’s top paid and free attractions by 10%, on average, in
2002, compared to 2001.
 An improvement in business performance including visitor numbers, particularly to attractions
and serviced accommodation, and an increase in turnover and profit.
 Confirmation that scenery and peaceful surroundings continue to be amongst the most
significant factors affecting visitors’ enjoyment of Cumbria, and particularly the Lake District
National Park.
Sources: Locum Destination Consulting (2003) Cumbria Tourism Market Forecasts, Cumbria
Economic Intelligence Partnership (2004) Cumbria Economic Assessment 2004, and Cumbria
Tourist Board surveys on tourism business performance, occupancy rates, and visits to
attractions
In 1994, a survey of visitors to all National Parks in England showed:






There are approximately 12 million visitors a year (which equates to 22 million visitor days)*.
About one fifth of visitors are day visitors and the rest are on holiday.
Many people make repeat visits (95 per cent of day visitors and 80 per cent of holiday
makers have been to the National Park before).
Most visitors come in groups of two.
Four out of ten day visitors (excluding residents) come from Cumbria, and over one quarter
from Lancashire.
Holiday visitors come mainly from the northern regions: North West, Yorkshire and
Humberside, and the North. One in five are from the South East and Greater London area.
16


Most people stay in the Keswick, Windermere and the South Lakes areas.
Self catering is the most commonly used form of accommodation (58 per cent), serviced (39
per cent) and visiting friends and relatives (4 per cent).
General sightseeing (by car) was the most popular activity (70% of all visitors) and 69% said
they also went sight seeing on foot (multiple response question). 46% went walking (for less
than one hour) and 44% shopping for gifts and souvenirs. One third went fell walking for
more than 4 hours.

Sources: Centre for Leisure Research 1994 All Parks Visitor Survey.
*Note that visitor numbers are not comparable with STEAM figures because of the methodology
used.
APPENDIX 2 - LDNPA TOURISM-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Landscape, historic environment and nature conservation
 Giving specialist advice on archaeology, landscape design, historic buildings, and the built
environment, for example the appraisal of Eskdale Mill, Boot and improvement of the
Derwentwater foreshore (see section 4).
 Maintaining and improving landscapes through the work of ranger, field and forestry
teams, for example river enhancement near Threlkeld and management of Whitbarrow
Scar.
 Restoring landscapes and repairing upland footpath erosion through the ‘Upland Path
Landscape Restoration Project’. ‘Fix the Fells’ is one of the restoration projects. It started
in 2002 and by July 2005 had raised £327,000 towards footpath repair.
 Working with communities to enhance their local environments, for example at
Ravenglass, where a Village Forum was set up 5 years ago to promote environmental
enhancement schemes.
 Preparing to undertake a Landscape Characterisation Assessment in 2005-2006 which
will inform our planning and management decisions in tourism and other areas of work,
and help provide clear and transparent guidance for others.

Managing habitats, species and geological features in a sustainable way, and promoting
.understanding of nature conservation to a wide audience so that local people and visitors
can relate to the natural environment and want to look after it.
Access, recreation and sustainable travel

Improving access for people with limited mobility, for example through our ‘Miles without
Stiles’ programme, which aims to implement 25 routes over 5 years. The project consults
widely with relevant independent users to make sure that it is meeting their needs.

Establishing links between ethnic communities and the National Park through the ‘Mosaic
Project’ in partnership with the Black Environment Network and Council of National Parks.
The aim of the project was to find out what prevents people from visiting the National Park
and identify how to provide accessible and relevant information.

Assisting in the development of a Countryside Access Strategy. This is a Cumbria County
Council-led initiative aiming to improve access county-wide, making it easier for local
people and visitors to understand and enjoy the countryside, and provides a foundation for
the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Good access management can help support local
17
economies, for example by providing information on routes, accommodation providers and
hire facilities and increase opportunities for people to travel by sustainable means.

Opening up, from May 2005, areas of land previously not accessible to the public, under
the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2002. Access areas are normally mountain, moor,
heath and down and registered common land. In the Lake District you can now walk on 55
per cent of land in the National Park - that’s around 500 square miles of open access land.
Providing specialist advice on a wide range of access, recreation and tourism issues.

Developing sustainable transport initiatives and single ticket schemes, such as ‘Give the
Driver a Break’ and the ‘B4 Network’, providing car parks and toilets, and linking car
parking provision to sustainable travel initiatives.

Carrying out a feasibility study, with Cumbria County Council, on a ‘value-added ticket’ to
link car parking, public transport, and attractions.
Education and Information

Producing an education programme with ongoing formal and informal opportunities to
learn about the National Park. Our education services enable us to deliver the second
purpose of National Parks: understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. We put
on events and exhibitions for visitors and locals, for example, often with the help of our
volunteers, and hold residential field trips for visiting students as well as giving talks,
lectures and day courses. We also have a programme of guided walks, led by volunteers,
informing people about the flora, fauna and heritage of the National Park.

Developing, with other National Park Authorities, a National Park brand, to share with
partners and help raise visitor awareness of National Parks and providing information, via
the National Park Authority’s website (www.lake-district.gov.uk), printed leaflets,
newsletters and interpretation media.

Working with others to ensure there is a network of information centres with a high level of
customer service, and servicing local information points. Operating six information centres
and a visitor centre at Brockhole which attracts over 100,000 visitors a year.
Local resident and business community

Fulfilling our role as a statutory planning authority, advising on planning applications and
looking at ways in which, with the help and advice of others, we can create the conditions
that encourage investment in tourism. We have recently introduced processes to improve
our efficiency, including an increased number of decisions delegated to planning officers,
a new computerised planning system, more training for our members on development
control, and the use of plain English in our publications.

Getting local people involved in shaping planning policy through the new planning system,
the ‘Local Development Framework’, and showing how we will do this by producing a
‘Statement of Community Involvement’. The aim is to enable local residents and tourism
businesses, amongst others, to have a greater say in the development of tourism in their
own area.

Carrying out a feasibility study into Area Management Programmes to help us to deliver,
with our partners, National Park Management Plan actions. It is anticipated that these will
focus on distinct geographical areas and cover such themes as access and recreation,
traffic and tourism management.
18

Providing input into research and monitoring programmes, including visitor surveys and
the development of tourism indicators for a ‘State of the Lake District National Park
Report’.

Advising on the ‘Distinctly Cumbrian’ project which supports local producers and provides
innovative marketing opportunities for Cumbrian products. The scheme can fund, for
example, the sale of products by mail order which, in turn, can help to raise awareness of
local distinctiveness, including products produced in the National Park.

Helping, through the Sustainable Development Fund, to set up the International Centre for
the Uplands, which works closely with individuals, agencies and communities in Cumbria
to develop a work programme of research and practical projects on the environment,
economy and culture.

Advising on Cumbria Fells and Dales Leader + projects. The Local Action Group supports
projects which help to increase the level of knowledge and understanding amongst local
people and visitors of the local landscape. Examples include the Damson Valleys Trail, the
Ale Trail and Organic Origins. Leader + is a European and UK Government-funded
initiative that assists small-scale community-based initiatives.
Sustainable development

Administering the Government-funded Sustainable Development Fund to encourage new
and innovative ideas and projects including the schemes listed in Section 4.

Seconding our Sustainable Development Adviser, on a part-time basis, to Rural
Regeneration Cumbria to help further sustainable development including tourism-related
initiatives through the ‘strategic objective 2’ fund.

Supporting the Tourism and Conservation Partnership which we established in 1993, with
Cumbria Tourist Board and the National Trust, with the objective of raising funds for
conservation and related projects, and promoting environmental awareness among
tourism businesses. In 2004/5 the Partnership raised a total of £176,416.
APPENDIX 3 - KEY LDNPA CONTACTS
A large number of staff across the Authority are involved in tourism-related activities. The
following list provides some key contacts:
Landscape and historic environment
Andrew Herbert, Conservation Manager (managing team of landscape, archaeology,
ecological, building conservation specialists) 01539 792644
Access and recreation
Mark Eccles, Access and Recreation Manager (managing team involved in access and
recreation provision and sustainable transport initiatives) 01539 792688
Information and education
Emma Dewhurst, Corporate Communications Director 01539 792633
Brenda Fishwick, Anne Blackburn, Education and Events Manager 015394 40267
Jim Walker, Information Centres Manager (North) 01768 871402
Karen Carter, Information Centres Manager (South) 015394 40253
19
Sustainable development fund
Alison Lax, Sustainable Development Adviser 01539 792693
Local communities
David Buylla, Principal Planner, Development Control 01539 792604
Bob Sutcliffe, Community Development Manager (managing team of community development
planners involved in delivery of the new planning framework and economic development) 01539
792673
Coniston Boating Centre
Dave Coxon, Boating Centre Manager 015394 41366
Brockhole
Janet Moss, Property Manager 015394 40257
General queries about tourism research, policies and projects, including this tourism
statement
Helen Houghton Recreation and Tourism Adviser 01539 792603
LDNPA Members are involved in tourism development and management through several
working groups and committees
APPENDIX 4 – SPECIAL QUALITIES OF THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
The Lake District National Park is famous for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and cultural
heritage. Its unique qualities were identified in consultation on the Lake District National Park
Management Plan in 1997 and 2003, and as a result of research carried out in 2002 on World
Heritage Site Inscription. They include:
Mosaic of lakes, tarns and rivers
These stretches of water are nationally important for their range of habitats, and species such
as vendace, charr, crayfish and schelly. Nutrient-poor lakes, such as Wast Water, contrast with
more nutrient-rich lakes like Esthwaite Water. The lakes and tarns give the Lake District a
quality of scenery and recreational resource found nowhere else in England.
Extensive semi-natural woodlands
The semi-natural woodlands add texture, colour and variety to the landscape and also provide a
home for native animals and plants. The high rainfall in the core of the National Park favours
woodlands rich in Atlantic mosses and liverworts, ferns and lichen. The presence of wood
pasture, pollards and old coppice woodland form part of the rich cultural heritage of the National
Park.
Diverse landscape
The area's imposing natural landforms are overlaid by thousands of years of human activity.
The mix of lakes, farmland, fell, woodland and settlement gives each valley a visual and cultural
distinctiveness of its own. The Lake District attracted the attention of the Picturesque and
Romantic Movements.
Wealth of Habitats and Wildlife
The Lake District is unique in England for its abundant and varied freshwater habitats. Key
habitats include mires, limestone pavement, upland heath, screes and arctic-alpine
communities, lakeshore wetlands, estuary, coastal heath and dunes.
20
History of Tourism and Outdoor Activities
The National Park has the highest concentration of outdoor activity centres in the UK. It is the
birthplace of mountaineering and there is a tradition of unrestricted access to the fells together
with an extensive network of public rights of way. Recreational walking can be traced from
Wordsworth's 'Guide to the Lakes' to the guides of more recent writers such as Wainwright.
There's a huge range of tourist facilities, attractions and accommodation.
Opportunities for Quiet Enjoyment
The tranquillity of the fells, valleys and lakes gives a sense of space and freedom. There is an
opportunity for spiritual refreshment: a release from the pressures of modern-day life.
Open Nature of the Fells
The relatively open character of the uplands, and the lack of modern development, is especially
important. To walk freely across the fells, or climb their crags, is liberating and gives a feeling of
wildness. To many the Lake District is a place where it is possible to feel remote, yet know the
nearest settlement is never far away.
Complex Geology
The Lake District's rocks provide a dramatic record of nearly 500 million years, with evidence of
colliding continents, deep oceans, tropical seas, and kilometre-thick ice sheets. The area has
the largest and deepest lakes and highest peaks in England. Its rock sequence contributes to
our understanding of past climates.
Concentration of Common Land
The Lake District National Park has the largest concentration of common land in Britain, and
possibly Western Europe. Collective management is characterised by landlords' flocks, smit
marked and hefted livestock and the use of traditional breeds including Herdwick sheep.
Rich Archaeology
There have been people in the Lake District since the end of the last ice age. The landscape
reflects a long history of settlement with many traces of prehistoric and medieval field systems.
Internationally important archaeological monuments include stone circles, Roman roads and
forts, and charcoal blast furnaces. The high rainfall has assisted water-power as a prime source
of energy for mining, gunpowder and wood-processing industries.
Distinctive Settlement Character
Local materials, including types of slate, are a common link between contrasting styles of
architecture. Finishes such as lime wash, and the use of sandstone, granite and limestone add
variety. Dry stone walls and hedgerows form a visual and historic link between settlement and
countryside. Chimneys, windows and walling, and structures such as hogg houses, peat
houses, packhorse bridges and bank barns reflect local building practices.
Celebrated Social and Cultural Roots
Lake District locals have worked the land, hewed its rock and helped shape the landscape,
while writers and environmentalists have campaigned for landscape protection. Artists and
writers such as Turner, Heaton Cooper, Kurt Schwitters, Wordsworth, Coleridge and De
Quincey have gained inspiration from the area, as well as children's authors Arthur Ransome
and Beatrix Potter. The area has its own dialects and distinctive sports such as hound trailing,
fell running, and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. Indigenous breeds of sheep and local
crafts and foods are celebrated at valley shows and nationally.
21
APPENDIX 5 - A SUMMARY OF TOURISM POLICIES
The following policies have been extracted from the development and management plans for
the Lake District National Park and should be read in conjunction with the explanatory text in
these plans. This sets the context for the policies.
Importantly, there will be an opportunity for everyone to engage in the review of our tourism
development policies through the Local Development Framework (LDF) which is replacing the
current development plan system. For up to date information on the LDF timetable contact Bob
Sutcliffe, Community Development Manager on 01539 792673.
National Park Management Plan tourism policies are to:
T1
Deepen people’s awareness, understanding, appreciation and concern for the National
Park, before, during, and after, a visit.
T2
Promote good relations between visitors and local communities and involve local people
in the planning and management of tourism.
T3
Improve the quality of tourism provision, including accommodation, facilities and public
places, management practices and staff skills, ensuring that quality provision is available
to all social groups.
T4
Safeguard seasonal differences where landscape impact, nature conservation or
residents interests may be compromised by year-round activity.
T5
Promote rural traditions and locally significant festivals and events for the benefit of
National Park communities and tourists alike.
T6
Assist minority social groups to visit the National Park.
T7
Improve opportunities for people of all abilities to visit the National Park.
T8
Encourage sustainable travel initiatives, especially those that reduce dependence on the
private motor vehicle.
T9
Manage and market tourism facilities and activities in ways that relate to the special
qualities of the National Park, and take into account the character of the local
environment.
T10 Support the economy and vitality of local communities by encouraging branding of local
produce and businesses to use local supplies, skills and services.
T11 Encourage tourism businesses, visitors and the local community to promote and
participate in projects that benefit the environment, improve public access and support
visitor payback schemes.
T12 Support new and existing tourism businesses in the adoption of ‘responsible tourism’
practices such as training staff, reducing energy consumption, recycling waste, and
addressing the wider implications of their actions.
T13 Work together, within the public sector, to assist tourism businesses with the development
of small renewable energy schemes, green travel plans, and recycling through local skip
schemes.
22
T14 Continue collaborative research and monitoring as a basis for tourism policies and
management.
Planning Cumbria. Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016
(Modifications September 2005)
7.6 The tourism policy and supporting text has recently been reviewed. See the
recommendations made in the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016
Examination in Public. Report of the Panel. The report can be viewed on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk under ‘Work of the Authority’, ‘Planning’, ‘Policy Making’, ‘Planning
Cumbria’, ‘Examination in Public’, ‘Report of Panel’. The Joint Structure Plan Authorities
have suggested the following policy amendment. The final Plan will be adopted in early
2006.
7.7 Policy EM16 Tourism
New tourism facilities will be directed to Key Service Centres and to locations that enable
the economic and physical regeneration of an area, where they bring benefit to the local
community.
Tourism development will be permitted where this does not prejudice Cumbria’s distinctive
environmental, cultural and historic character and visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of
it. The emphasis should be on sustaining these attributes and adding quality.
Tourism proposals in the Lake District National Park and AONBs will only be permitted
where the statutory purposes of the designated areas are not contravened.
In the Lake District National Park, changes of use or conversions which result in the loss
of important tourist accommodation or public amenities will not be permitted unless they
are demonstrated to be unviable.
Tourism development within or affecting the Lake District National Park will only be
permitted where:
1. it would not conflict with the special qualities of the National Park or diminish
opportunities for quiet enjoyment;
2. it would not introduce inappropriate activities or levels of use, or otherwise be of a
nature and scale detrimental to the character and quality of the environment; and
3. it would not result in the loss of serviced accommodation and of touring pitches to other
tourist uses.
Lake District National Park Local Plan 1998
These policies and the justification for them can be viewed on www.lake-district.gov.uk
under ‘Work of the Authority’, ‘Publications and Plans’, ‘Key Corporate’, ‘Local Plan for the
Lake District National Park’ (Chapter 4, Policies T1 to T19)
T1
Hotel Extensions in Larger Settlements
Within the development boundaries of larger settlements favourable consideration will be
given to proposals for the alteration and extension of existing hotels and guesthouses
where all the following criteria are satisfied:
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a
b
c
d
e
no demonstrable harm would be caused to residential amenity or to the appearance and
character of the larger settlement;
submitted details are acceptable in terms of scale, design and materials;
adequate space for vehicle parking and servicing is or can be made available within the
curtilage of the premises or could be provided without loss of amenity or damage to
established landscaping;
the proposed access and the level of traffic generated would not result in a highway safety
hazard or result in an increase in traffic which cannot satisfactorily be accommodated by
the local road network without causing inconvenience to other road users including local
residents and businesses; and
adequate provision is made, where necessary, for staff accommodation and for kitchen,
dining and related facilities consistent with the number of letting rooms proposed.
T2
Hotel Extensions in the Open Countryside and Villages
Within the open countryside and villages favourable consideration will be given to
proposals for the alteration and extension of existing hotels and guesthouses where all the
following criteria are satisfied:
a
b
c
d
e
f
no demonstrable harm would be caused to the landscape, nature conservation interests,
cultural heritage or amenity;
submitted details are acceptable in terms of scale, design and materials;
adequate space for vehicle parking and servicing is, or can be made available within the
curtilage of the premises or could be provided without loss of amenity or damage to
established landscaping;
the proposed access and the level of traffic generated would not result in a highway safety
hazard or result in an increase in traffic which cannot satisfactorily be accommodated by
the local road network without causing inconvenience to other road users including local
residents and businesses;
adequate provision is made, where necessary, for staff accommodation and for kitchen,
dining and related facilities consistent with the number of letting rooms proposed; and
the total floorspace would not normally exceed that existing by more than 10% as a result
of the development.
T3
Change of Use to Hotels
The conversion of buildings to hotel or guesthouse use will be favourably considered
where all the following criteria are satisfied:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
the building is capable of conversion without requiring major extension, rebuilding or any
significant external alteration;
no demonstrable harm would be caused to residential amenity, to the appearance and
character of the area, or to nature conservation interests;
there would be no adverse loss to the level of housing or business and industrial
accommodation available within the particular area;
submitted details are acceptable in terms of layout, design and materials;
adequate space for vehicle parking and servicing is, or can be made available within the
curtilage of the premises or could be provided without loss of amenity or damage to
established landscaping;
the proposed access and the level of traffic generated would not result in a highway safety
hazard or result in an increase in traffic which cannot satisfactorily be accommodated by
the local road network without causing inconvenience to other road users including local
residents and businesses; and
adequate provision is made, where necessary, for staff accommodation and for kitchen,
dining and related facilities consistent with the number of letting rooms proposed.
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T4
New Hotels and Guesthouses
Hotels and guesthouses in the form of new buildings will not be permitted*
* Local plan (paragraph 4.12) says that the development of new hotels and guesthouses
within the larger settlements and villages would constitute an unacceptable use of the
limited land available for local housing.
T5
Camping Barns
Conversion of buildings to camping barns will be permitted where all the following criteria are
satisfied:
a
b
c
d
the building is traditional and capable of conversion without extension or material
alteration and without harm to its character and appearance or setting in the landscape;
no demonstrable harm would be caused to residential amenity by reason of an increase in
noise and disturbance;
no adverse impact would be caused to nature conservation interests or cultural heritage;
and
the proposal would not introduce inappropriate levels of recreational use.
Where appropriate, planning conditions will be imposed, or the securing of planning obligations
by agreement will be sought, to ensure: that no person shall occupy the camping barn for a
period or periods exceeding seven nights in total in any one month; that the camping barn
remains part of the agricultural unit, and than no alterations are made which will upgrade the
standard of accommodation approved.
T6
Hostels and Outdoor Centres
Conversion of buildings to hostel accommodation or outdoor centres will be permitted where all
the following criteria are satisfied:
a
b
c
d
e
f
T7
the building is capable of conversion without requiring major extension, reconstruction or
any significant external alteration;
there would be no adverse loss to the level of housing or business and industrial
accommodation available within the particular area;
the proposal would not be detrimental to residential amenity;
the proposal would not adversely affect the character or appearance of the landscape or
nature conservation interests;
the proposal would have a satisfactory vehicular access and adequate space for vehicle
parking; and
the proposal would not introduce inappropriate levels of traffic generation and recreational
use.
Large Scale Visitor Attractions
Proposals for the development of large scale attractions or visitor facilities will not be permitted.
(Large scale is defined in the Local Plan as, for example, theme parks and conference centres
which are unrelated to the purposes of National Park designation)
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T8
Small Scale Visitor Attractions
Small scale attractions and facilities which would not conflict with the enjoyment of the special
qualities of the National Park will be permitted. In all cases permission will only be granted
where all the following criteria are satisfied:
a
e
the level or type of traffic generation or recreational use, and the design, layout and
materials would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the landscape or
built environment;
the proposal would not adversely affect residential amenity by reason of noise, traffic
generation or other forms of disturbance;
the proposal would not harm nature conservation or cultural heritage interests;
the proposal would cause no harm to highway safety interests and would provide
adequate space for vehicle parking; and
the proposal would not have a material adverse effect on quieter periods.
T9
Static Caravan Sites
b
c
d
The siting of static caravans will only be permitted in the following locations and provided no
harm would be caused to the visual amenities or character of the area or the internal amenity
and recreational value of the site by reason of their number, siting, design or increased
recreational activity:
a
b
within the approved boundaries of established and well screened static caravan sites, or
on farms in connection with diversification proposals which meet the criteria laid down in
Policy A3.
Where permission is granted for additional static caravans, conditions will be imposed
restricting their use for short term holiday accommodation only and, in appropriate cases,
restricting the period of the year within which such caravans may be occupied.
T10 Occupancy Periods
An extension or amendment to the approved period within which static caravans may be
occupied for holiday purposes will not be permitted where it would have a material adverse
effect during quieter periods by reason of:
a
b
c
visual intrusion or disturbance resulting from noise or additional pedestrian and vehicular
activity;
its impact upon nature conservation or residential amenity; and
physical erosion within the site or its environs, including the local rights of way network.
In those instances where permission is granted for an extension or amendment of the
occupancy period, conditions will be imposed to ensure that the caravans are not used
otherwise than for short term holiday accommodation and to ensure that a specified minimum
period remains during which the caravans will not be available for occupation.
T11 Site Facilities on Caravan Sites
The development of additional shopping, catering or leisure facilities on established caravan
sites will be strictly controlled to ensure that the scale and nature of such facilities on any site
remain subordinate to the primary use of land as a caravan site and are well related in size to
the number of caravans permitted on that site. Permission for additional shopping, catering or
leisure facilities will therefore only be permitted where all the following criteria are satisfied:
26
a
b
c
there is a demonstrated genuine need for such facilities;
no harm would be caused to the visual amenities of the area, or to the internal amenity or
recreational value of the site or to the enjoyment of the special qualities of the surrounding
area; and
in the case of the erection of new buildings or significant extensions to existing buildings,
such needs cannot be met by the conversion of suitable buildings within the approved
boundaries of the site.
Where permission is granted for the provision of shopping, catering or leisure facilities within
caravan sites, a condition will normally be imposed which will restrict the use of such facilities to
persons resident for the time being at the site.
T12 Warden's Accommodation on Static Caravan Sites
Permission to erect a dwelling to provide warden's accommodation within static caravan sites
will only be granted in exceptional circumstances where all the following criteria are satisfied:
a
b
c
d
an essential need for such accommodation is demonstrated in terms of effective
management or security;
such a need cannot be met in any other way, particularly by the conversion or adaptation
of an existing building or the use of a nearby dwelling;
no harm would be caused to the visual amenities of the area or to the internal amenity or
recreational value of the site; and
the building would be of a size and design appropriate for its intended use.
Where permission is granted for the provision of warden's accommodation a planning condition
will be imposed which restricts occupancy of such accommodation to a person wholly employed
in a management or supervisory capacity of the caravan site, but including any dependants of
such a person.
T13 Individual Holiday Caravans
The retention of individual holiday caravans originally permitted on a time-limited basis will not
be permitted unless such caravans are effectively concealed by established screening and their
siting or use causes no harm to the visual amenities of the area. In those instances where
established screening is deemed not to be secure in the long term, permission will be renewed
only for a temporary period, normally not exceeding three years. Where permission is granted
for the renewal of the siting of a holiday caravan, a condition will, where appropriate, be
imposed which would require the written approval of the National Park Authority for any
replacement caravan to be sited.
T14 Holiday Chalet Sites
The development of holiday chalet sites or individual holiday chalets will not be permitted.
T15 Replacement of Caravans by Chalets
The re-development of established static caravan sites by the erection of replacement chalets
will only be permitted in very exceptional cases where significant environmental enhancement
would be achieved by:
a
b
c
the removal of caravans and unsightly buildings; and
a reduction in the overall number of units within the site; and
improved landscaping and screening.
27
In all cases where permission is granted conditions will be imposed to ensure that the chalets
are not used otherwise than for short term holiday accommodation and to ensure that a
specified minimum period remains during which the chalets will not be available for occupation.
(Chalets are defined in the local plan (paragraphs 4.33, 4.35) as buildings constructed on
engineered foundations unlike caravans which are placed on the land and more likely to
assume the characteristics of individual building plots, incongruous within the National park
landscape).
T16 Touring Caravan Sites
The use of land for the siting of touring caravans and motor caravans will only be permitted in
the following locations and provided no harm would be caused to the visual amenities or
character of the area or to the internal amenity and recreational value of such sites by reason of
their number, siting, design or increased vehicle or recreational activity:
a
b
within the approved boundaries of established and well screened caravan sites, or
on farms in connection with diversification proposals which meet the criteria laid down in
Policy A3.
In all cases permission will only be granted where the site enjoys reasonable access to the
primary or secondary road network and the additional traffic generated would not be detrimental
to highway safety or result in an increase in traffic which cannot be satisfactorily accommodated
by the local road network without causing inconvenience to other road users or residential
amenity.
T17 Tented Caravan Sites
The use of land for tented camping, or the provision of additional tented camping pitches, will
not be permitted otherwise than in small numbers where no harm would be caused to the visual
amenities, nature conservation interests, or character of the area, or to the internal amenity or
recreational value of such sites in the following locations:
a
b
c
within the approved boundaries of established and well screened camping or caravan
sites; or
on farms in connection with diversification proposals which meet the criteria laid down in
Policy A3; or
on well screened sites where basic facilities can be provided within existing buildings and
primarily in locations served by public transport or those especially catering primarily for
campers travelling on foot, by bicycle or by horse.
T18 Touring Caravan/Tented Camping Sites
Within the approved boundaries of established sites which accommodate both touring caravans
and tented camping, the introduction of 'touring units' (which allows interchange between the
two) will only be permitted where no harm would be caused to the character and appearance of
the area or to the internal amenity and recreational value of such sites, by reason of increased
visual impact on the landscape or the level or type of vehicle activity.
T19 Use of Camp Sites by Touring Caravans
The use of tent only camp sites by touring caravans will not be permitted where access is
inadequate or where established landscaping is ineffective in protecting the visual qualities of
the countryside.
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6
SOME POLICIES EXPLAINED
i)
Quiet enjoyment
The concept of quiet enjoyment is explicit in Government Circular 12/96 which provides
guidance on the 1995 Environment Act: ‘Particular emphasis should be placed on
identifying those qualities associated with their wide open spaces, and the wildness and
tranquillity which are to be found within them’ (paragraph 11) and ‘The Government
believes that the promotion of the second purpose is not incompatible with the equally
legitimate demand that many parts of the Parks should continue to be quietly enjoyed by
many people for much of the time’ (paragraph 15).
Many people value the sense of space and freedom, spiritual refreshment, and release
from the pressures of modern-day life that the Lakeland fells, valleys and lakes have to
offer. We cannot expect to experience quiet enjoyment everywhere in the National Park,
and that is not what we advocate. But peace, quiet and tranquillity are qualities that
visitors enjoy - we know this from our surveys and the surveys of others – and quiet
enjoyment is one of the special qualities of the Lake District National Park. We want
people to have the opportunity to sit by a lake or walk on the fells without the noise and
busyness often experienced at recreational sites elsewhere. There are lots of places
where you can do this, across the National Park, and we want to protect them (see
National Park Management Plan 2004, Policy AR6). The 2002 DEFRA review of National
Park Authorities made clear that ‘in those areas which are tranquil, it is right that there
should be a presumption against activities that would undermine that tranquillity’.
ii)
Quieter periods
Reference to quieter periods can be found in the Lake District National Park Local Plan
(Policy T10 and paragraphs 4.25 and 4.26) specifically in relation to static caravan sites.
The ‘quieter period’ is defined as mid-November to the beginning of March. The
background text to the policy explains that, traditionally, static caravans have not been
available for winter occupancy to make sure that:
a
b
c
d
e
Caravans are not used as sub-standard accommodation;
No landscape harm arises because of inadequate native tree screening;
Nature conservation interests are safeguarded, for example winter feeding areas for
wildfowl;
Residents are given a respite from tourism pressures; and
In the widest sense a relatively quiet winter period, which is part of the rich seasonal
diversity of the National Park, is maintained.
Although the policy relates only to sites with static caravans, these sites form a significant
proportion of holiday accommodation stock. Many of the larger sites are situated near lake
shores. Evidence submitted for the Examination in Public on the Joint Structure Plan
illustrates the importance and application of the quieter period policy where nature
conservation interests may be compromised. However, the reference to quieter periods is
not intended as a blanket policy, extending to the whole of the National Park and does not
imply that we want the Lake District to ‘close down’ during the winter months. We have a
duty to foster socio economic well-being and we want people to have access to well paid,
year-round, quality jobs. The trend towards short breaks and year-round breaks means
that there are increasing opportunities for businesses to operate, if they choose,
throughout the year, and for visitors and local people to take advantage of the services
and facilities available. In terms of visitor numbers, winter is still a relatively quiet period as
accommodation figures show.
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iii)
Sensitive areas and issues of capacity
The Countryside Agency’s ‘Principles for Sustainable Tourism in National Parks and
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ states that ‘the level and type of tourism activity
should take account of the capacity of the protected areas’ environment and
communities’. Capacity is not an exact science and we cannot measure, except at a
localised level, the impact of activities. However, we seek through our Development Plan
policies to identify different areas or zones within the National Park which enable us to
cater for a range of recreational needs and experiences and which reflect the different
character of different areas within the Park.
The potential for zoning in National Parks was raised in the 2002 DEFRA Review of
National Park Authorities and recommended in ‘Lake District Economic Futures: The Way
Forward; a report produced for the North West Development Agency in 2004.
iv)
Quieter Areas and Busier Valleys
We know that some areas of the National Park receive significantly more visitors than
others, the scale and distribution of tourism facilities is more intensive and other features,
such as road character, also differ. These areas can provide very different experiences.
Our view has been that the concept of ‘spreading the load’ within the National Park is
inappropriate, because it would threaten the experience of those who seek the relative
solitude and peace, and the character of less developed areas.





As a result, we have designated ‘Quieter Areas’ which are served mainly by narrow minor
roads, and include areas where existing development generally is unobtrusive. The
Quieter Areas are indicated on the 1998 Lake District National Park Local Plan Proposals
Map. They comprise:
the valleys of the western fells from Newlands to the Lickle Valley;
the eastern valleys from Martindale and the Lowther Valley to the head of Troutbeck;
the northern fringes of the National Park around the less frequented fells north of Skiddaw
and Blencathra;
Woodland, Rusland Valley and Dale Park; and
the Winster Valley and Whitbarrow in the South East.
In contrast to the Quieter Areas, the impacts of development and the pressures of visitors
are generally much more apparent in the busier central valleys of Langdale, Borrowdale
and Ullswater. These areas are also indicated on the Local Plan Proposals Map.
The Busier Valleys share many of the same qualities as the Quieter Areas, including the
magnificent landscapes, but have a greater concentration of development and use. Whilst
we have taken the longstanding view, expressed in the 1998 Lake District National Park
Local Plan, that further development may increase congestion or diminish the quality of
the landscape, we are looking increasingly to improve access that is not detrimental to the
environment, can help support existing attractions and enhance the visitor experience.
Good examples include Miles Without Stiles, the B4 Network, Eskdale Trail and Give the
Driver a Break.
APPENDIX 7 – FURTHER READING
Bowles Green Partnership (2002) Assessing Needs and Preferences in relation to Countryside
Recreation in the Lake District.
Cumbria County Council, Lake District National Park Authority (2004) Cumbria and Lake District
Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016 Modifications September 2005.
30
Cumbria Strategic Partnership (2004) A Vision for a Sustainable Cumbria.
Cumbria Tourist Board (2005) Destination Management Plan.
Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2004) Tomorrow’s Tourism Today.
Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2005) Tourism Review and Implementation Group.
Interim Report. June 2005.
Lake District National Park Authority. Policy and Overview Committee 23 August 2005
Windermere and Bowness Enhancement Masterplan.
Lake District National Park Authority (2004) Lake District National Park Management Plan
2004.
Lake District National Park Authority (1998) Lake District National Park Local Plan.
North West Development Agency (2003) The Strategy for Tourism in England’s North West.
Regeneris, for the North West Development Agency (2004) Lake District Economic Futures:
The Way Forward.
Rural Regeneration Cumbria (2004) New Landscapes: A Strategy for Delivering Successful and
Sustainable Economic Growth in Rural Cumbria.
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