04 July 2008
Search is on for new kind of Lake District 'Park'
A survey is taking place throughout the Lake District this summer
to identify potential employment sites capable of providing crucial
jobs within the national park.
As part of this survey – which is being funded through the
Northwest Regional Development Agency and being carried out by the
National Park Authority – landowners will be contacted to see if
they would be willing to release parcels of land for much needed
business use.
It’s estimated that by 2021 a number of sites will need to be
converted from their present use into business premises in order to
sustain the Lake District’s economy. The LDNPA’s Planning and
Communities Team will be looking at which sites could be designated
as locations for businesses to subsequently provide employment
opportunities for local people.
Leading the survey, Policy Planner Katrina Rice explained that
the new Vision for the Lake District was a prosperous economy,
maximising opportunities to generate a wider range of businesses
and jobs.
“We need to look closely now at which areas will be really
suitable for two new business parks and one start-up incubator
business park, which together will help provide the much needed
jobs the national park requires.
“We are very keen to work with current land owners and it is
important that they respond when contacted, as we need to know if
they are willing to release land for business development,” Katrina
said.
The Executive Director of Development at the Northwest Regional
Development Agency, Peter White, added: “Diversifying and
strengthening the Lake District’s economic base is essential to
securing a sustainable future for the area.
“This survey is an important step in helping to grow the rural
economy. The provision of employment opportunities is central to
creating sustainable communities within the National Park.”
More information regarding the identified shortfall of
employment land identified last year, can be found in the
Employment Sites and Premises Study on the LDNPA’s website www.lake-district.gov.uk/ldf
--ends--
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. More information about the National Park and the
Authority's work on our website www.lake-district.gov.uk
http://www.lake-district.gov.uk
2. The Lake District is one of 14 National Parks. The
others are: Brecon Beacons, the Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Loch
Lomond and Trossachs, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak
District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, the Yorkshire Dales, the
Broads and the New Forest
For further details please contact Mick Casey, LDNPA Media and
Marketing Co-ordinator on 01539 792683.