The Partnership's Plan - Lake District National Park

We will work to ensure that rural housing provision does not disappear from the Government’s
agenda. We can facilitate joint working, helping to increase land acquisition and ensure new
sustainable housing while respecting local character, distinctive design and sensitive locations.
3.10.4 Key partners
Key partners include the National Park Authority, District Councils as Housing Authorities,
Local Strategic Partnerships, Housing Associations, Cumbria Rural Housing Trust, Parish
Councils and Action with Communities in Cumbria, Community Land Trusts and land owners.
3.11 Transport and movement
3.11.1 Facts and challenges
• The National Park is served by roads, bus routes, rail links, cycle routes, bridleways
and footpaths, and boats on the four largest lakes. Most people live in our towns and
villages but the Lake District’s activities, from farming to tourism, rely on a complex
rural network. Access to and within our rural areas is the biggest challenge. Public
transport is seasonal and limited to more popular areas. Access to the deeper rural
areas and out of season becomes difficult without a car.
• Car ownership is high compared to County and Country averages, but broadly in line
with other National Parks. Yet the Lake District’s transport carbon footprint is
significantly higher than other National Parks and nearly double the North West’s
average.
• Half of personal travel is by residents, mostly for leisure, then shopping and commuting.
The other half is visitor travel. Almost three quarters of our eight million tourists each
year are day visitors. Most arrive and travel around by car and sight seeing is one of
the most popular activities.
• Despite being rural, with challenging terrain, we have a relatively good public transport
network with a wide range of services. But the network is poorly integrated. Our cycle
network is fragmented. Most car users say they would like easy opportunities to use
their car less, at least some of the time.
• Congestion is common on weekends and holiday periods, particularly on the A591
spine between junction 36 on the M6 to Keswick, and at popular destinations in the
central Lake District. This spoils visitors’ enjoyment, residents’ quality of life and affects
public safety. People are less likely to take sustainable travel options such as walking
and cycling along these routes.
• Car parking provision, pricing and quality is inconsistent, as are associated facilities
such as toilets and information.
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