22 September 2025

Local Development Orders (LDOs) are a tool that local planning authorities can use to grant permission for specific types of development within a defined area, removing the need for a separate planning application. The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has drafted an LDO that would allow householders across the National Park to replace existing septic tanks with modern package treatment plants.

Septic tanks, particularly older ones, can contribute to pollution that ultimately ends up in our lakes and rivers. This has impacted the nature conservation interest of internationally protected sites such as the Rivers Eden and Derwent, Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, and Derwentwater. It has also contributed to increased nutrient levels in Windermere, which, although not formally designated for nature conservation purposes, is one of the most popular and well-loved lakes, used by thousands for recreation.

Modern package treatment plants are generally much more effective, typically releasing far fewer polluting nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the environment.

Currently, applying for planning permission to install a treatment plant can be costly and time-consuming. The LDNPA aims to minimise barriers for people who aren’t connected to mains drainage but want to reduce their impact on the natural world and help protect the lakes and rivers that bring so much enjoyment to so many people. The proposed LDO would remove the need for planning permission when replacing existing septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants with more modern, less polluting equipment.

There are safeguards built into the LDO to prevent any inadvertent harm. Permission to install package treatment plants may only be granted if the conditions within the Order are complied with, and in certain situations such as within the grounds of a listed building, planning application will still be required.

For details of the draft Order and an opportunity to comment please visit the following page Local Development Order Septic Tank Upgrades : Lake District National Park.

The consultation period runs until 15th October 2025 and if, having considered the consultation responses, it is decided to proceed it is expected that the LDO will be formally adopted before the end of the year