Housing 'needed in Lake District National Park'

Up to 900 new homes need to built in the Lake District over the next 15 years, according to a report discussed by planners.

Dozens of sites in towns and villages in the national park have been earmarked for affordable housing for local people.

Public consultations will now take place over the next two months.

It is the first time the Lake District National Park has identified land in so many areas for possible development.

The park authority is in charge of planning in the area.

'Very clear'

Chris Warren, who led the team identifying possible sites, said: "I think we're much clearer now about what's important to local people.

"There's a very clear message that yes, we do need more housing for local people who can't afford to get on the property market because house prices are so high.

"It's about making it easier for development to take place by giving some certainty to developers."

The possible sites have been identified after two years of discussions with landowners, parish councils and other interested bodies.

Peter Winter, a former Lake District planning officer and now an independent planning consultant, said: "What they [the National Park Authority] are looking to do is to provide properties that are appropriate to each location based on the needs survey they have done in each location.

"So in certain villages or in major settlements there will be a lot of houses and in others fewer houses."