Council's 'no confidence' in Lake District authority

Lakes Parish Council said it was unhappy with a number of things, including affordability of housing

A parish council has passed a motion of no confidence in a national park authority, highlighting its concerns around tourism and the cost of housing.

Lakes Parish Council said there were eight reasons behind the move against the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), all regarding its management and decision-making processes.

"Despite the increase in day visitors, there is no effective plan to accommodate them, with refusals for new car parks and limited public transportation options," it said.

Richard Leafe, chief executive of the LDNPA, said the authority would consider its comments and respond directly.

The council added problems over tourism had led to increased congestion and a "diminished visitor experience," the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Rise of homeworking'

Concerns were also raised regarding the affordability of housing in the Lake District.

The council said local occupancy conditions on new builds were "too broad", meaning people with "minimal ties" to the area qualified for housing.

"The rise of homeworking has made it easier for non-locals to meet the occupancy criteria superficially, further complicating local housing affordability," it added

The parish council concluded the vote of no confidence reflected "deep-seated frustrations".

It urged the LDNPA and Development Control Committee to adhere "more strictly" to existing policies and prioritise conservation efforts to protect the area's "unique character".

The LDNPA said it was disappointed the parish council had undertaken the process.