Following its formation in 2023, Cumberland Council is preparing its first Local Plan, bringing together planning policies for the former Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland council areas, alongside minerals and waste policies previously prepared by Cumbria County Council.
The new plan will guide where development takes place and how land is protected across Cumberland, excluding the Lake District National Park and St Cuthbert's Garden Village, which are covered by separate plans. It will replace:
- The Allerdale Local Plan (Part 1)
- The Allerdale Local Plan (Part 2)
- The Carlisle District Local Plan
- The Copeland Local Plan 2021-2039
- The Cumbria Minerals and Waste Local Plan
As part of this work, the Council has reopened its Call for Sites. Landowners and promoters can put forward land for a wide range of uses, including housing, employment, retail, leisure, community facilities, open space, habitat creation, infrastructure, minerals and waste. Sites can also be suggested for protection.
Submitting a site gives the Council an opportunity to assess its potential. Anyone who submitted a site to one of the former councils must submit it again if they want it considered for the new Cumberland Local Plan.
The Call for Sites is currently due to close on 30 October 2026. The Council's published timetable anticipates adoption of the Local Plan in April 2028.
If you own land in Cumberland and would like advice on whether to submit a site, or need help preparing a submission, please contact PFK Rural at