The Town and Country Planning system is an important instrument for protecting and enhancing the environment in town and country, preserving the built and natural heritage and promoting development which strengthens the viability of local communities.
Planning includes the preparation of development plans and the control of development.
In the Lake District National Park the National Park Authority is a Unitary Planning Authority. Outside the National Park these are shared between District Councils and the County Council. The National Park Authority's planning powers vary only slightly from other authorities, but the policies and their interpretation, are more strict that elsewhere. In pursuit of these purposes the Authority must seek to foster the economic and social well being of the local communities. To help achieve National Park purposes, the National Park Authority has powers to influence and control land use and development.