SLDC writes to inspector to request Land Allocation examination hearing is reconvened

12 February 2013

South Lakeland District Council has today written to the independent planning inspector, Simon Berkeley, to request that the examination hearing into its Land Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) be reconvened.

The letter, which is available in full on SLDC’s website, sets out a timetable and action plan to address issues raised by the inspector during the first part of the hearings held in October and November 2012.

Its main focus is on options for addressing concerns raised by the Inspector concerning the Arnside and Silverdale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It also addresses viability and infrastructure issues.

SLDC is now asking for the inspector to consider reconvening the hearings in May.

SLDC Leader Cllr Peter Thornton said: “The land allocation strategy is vital for the economic growth of South Lakeland and the need to provide affordable housing. We, as much as other interested parties, want to see the hearings reconvened as soon as the Inspector can.

“We have been open and accountable throughout this process and are continuing to be by publishing the letter to the Inspector on our website and publicising that we have written to him.”

The letter to the inspector is available on the website.