The consultation period for the latest stage of a major plan review that will shape the future of South Lakeland has been extended to allow for face-to-face drop-in events to be held.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) started its review of the Local Plan last year. The consultation is considering everything from what employment and housing the area needs to how its historic character and special landscapes can be protected.

This stage of the consultation was due to end at the end of September, but has now been extended to October 29 to allow even more people to have their say.

Due to Covid restrictions the consultation so far has been largely online, with a ‘virtual’ consultation room being set up where visitors can find information and fill out surveys, information on websites and council officers available to speak to online or over the phone.

Many residents, businesses and organisations have already offered feedback during this latest phase of consultation launched in June, but SLDC is keen to hear from as many people as possible and recognises that not everyone will have online access, so a series of Covid secure in-person drop-in events have now been arranged during October.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Housing and the Local Plan, explained: “We were always keen to host some face-to-face drop-in events as part of the consultation, once Covid restrictions allowed, so that people had the option to attend in person to find out more, ask questions and hopefully give us their views.

“To enable this, we’ve extended the consultation deadline by another month to the end of October, and have planned five drop-ins next month at venues in Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Kendal, Ulverston and Grange.

“All these events will be Covid secure and a number of measures will be in place to offer reassurance and keep visitors and our staff safe.’’

The drop-ins will be held on the following dates:

· Tuesday, 12 October, Kirkby Lonsdale Lunesdale Hall

· Friday, 15 October, Milnthorpe M: Hub

· Monday, 18 October, Town Council Chamber, Kendal Town Hall

· Wednesday, 20 October, Ulverston Coronation Hall

· Friday, 22 October, Grange Victoria Hall

All drop-ins will run from 3pm to 7pm.