Farron calls on South Lakes communities to bid for community planning funding

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on South Lakes parishes to follow Upper Eden's lead and bid for money to create a community plan.

The Government this week announced a £9.5 million, 2-year fund to support people in hundreds of areas across the country in creating neighbourhood plans to shape development in their area, such as the location of new housing and businesses. Groups of residents seeking to create a neighbourhood plan will be able to bid for up to £7,000, to contribute to the costs of preparing their proposal.

The country's first neighbourhood plan was passed in Upper Eden earlier this month, with over 90% voting in favour. Fellside and Hallgarth in Kendal and Heversham & Hincaster are also working on community plans. Tim would like to see more communities follow their lead.

Neighbourhood planning groups will find full details about the new 2-year programme from 15 April on the My Community Rights website: http://mycommunityrights.org.uk. Communities will be able to submit applications for support and grants from 1 May. First payments and direct support packages are expected to be agreed in late May.

Tim said: "Community planning offers a real opportunity for local people to help shape the future of their area, where development happens, jobs are created and what services are available. Upper Eden were the first place in the UK to finish this project and Fellside, Hincaster and Heversham are working on community plans. I'd like to see more people in our area bid for this funding."