A planning policy document outlining future development in the former Copeland area has been adopted by Cumberland Council.

The Copeland Local Plan 2021–2039 was accepted by the council after five years of development.

The plan had already undergone four key stages of public consultation held between 2019 and 2022 before it was submitted to the Secretary of State for Public Examination.

During the examination, the inspector considered the Publications Draft Local Plan submitted by Copeland Council and all the representations and objections raised in response.

Following the examination and discussions at public hearings last year, the inspector identified several changes, known as Main Modifications.

These modifications, along with changes to the Proposals Map, were the focus of a final public consultation earlier this year.

Councillor Bob Kelly, executive member for planning policy and regulatory services at Cumberland Council, said: "The Copeland Local Plan is a very detailed and important document.

"It has been worked on for more than five years and during that time has undergone widespread consultation and has been scrutinised by a planning inspector.

"It sets out a series of clear policies which will support sustained growth within this area of Cumberland."

According to the council, the purpose of Local Plans is to provide an overarching development strategy for an area, identify suitable locations for development, and set out necessary standards and requirements.

Local Plans span a minimum of 15 years, which the council states will 'provide certainty to developers and communities'.

The Copeland Local Plan will soon be superseded by a new Cumberland Local Plan, which is currently being worked on.

This new plan will also replace the Copeland Local Plan, other district Local Plans, as well as the Cumbria Minerals and Waste Local Plan.