Cumberland's updated guidance gives a deadline of 23:59 on Friday 30 October 2026. An earlier notice gave 19 October, so we recommend submitting by then. Status checked 25 September 2026. Council source
Cumberland Call for Sites
Do you own land in Cumberland with potential for development? Cumberland Council is inviting landowners, developers and site promoters to put forward land as part of the emerging Cumberland Local Plan.
Cedar Planning can assess your site's planning potential and prepare a clear, evidence-led submission to help ensure your land is properly considered through the Local Plan process.
30 October 2026
Cumberland Council requires submissions to be received by 23:59.
Already submitted your site previously? Sites previously submitted to Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Copeland Borough Council or Cumbria County Council must be submitted again. Cumberland Council will not automatically carry previous submissions forward.
What is the Cumberland Call for Sites?
Cumberland Council is preparing a new Local Plan which will guide development and land use across the Cumberland area.
The Call for Sites forms part of that process. It allows the Council to identify land which may be available for development, protection or other future uses and to consider those sites as its evidence base develops.
A submission does not grant planning permission or guarantee that land will be allocated. However, putting a site forward gives the Council the opportunity to assess it through the Local Plan process.
For landowners with potential development sites, this can be an important first step in a longer-term strategic land promotion strategy.
Sites can be submitted by anyone with the landowner's permission.
A separate submission is required for each parcel of land.
Cumberland Council recommends using its online submission form.
Previously submitted sites need to be put forward again.
The Call for Sites is not limited to housing.
Cumberland Council is seeking land for a wide range of possible uses. The suitability of a site will depend on its location, constraints, accessibility and relationship with existing settlements and infrastructure.
Minerals and waste sites can also be submitted, although Cumberland Council provides separate submission forms for these uses.
Why promote your site now?
Local Plan promotion is a long-term process. Putting forward a well-considered site at an early stage gives the Council the opportunity to understand its availability and planning potential.
Get your land considered
A Call for Sites submission places the land within the Council's evidence-gathering process and demonstrates that it may be genuinely available.
Build the planning case
A strong submission explains the site's opportunities, constraints and relationship with the Council's emerging development strategy.
Prepare for later stages
Promotion can continue as the Local Plan develops through evidence gathering, consultation, proposed allocations and examination.
Is your site suitable for promotion?
Simply identifying a parcel of land does not necessarily make it a credible Local Plan site.
Before making a submission, it is sensible to understand the site's planning context and the issues that could influence its prospects.
Cedar Planning can undertake an initial planning feasibility assessment before progressing to a full Call for Sites submission.
Understand the site
Review its location, existing use, planning history and relationship with nearby settlements.
Identify constraints
Consider matters such as landscape, heritage, flood risk, ecology, highways and infrastructure.
Define the opportunity
Establish a realistic potential use and development proposition for the land.
Make the planning case
Present clear evidence explaining why the site should remain under consideration as the Local Plan progresses.
How we can help with your Cumberland site.
Cedar Planning provides independent planning advice to landowners, developers and site promoters seeking to navigate the Local Plan process.
We can assess the site, identify the key planning issues and prepare a clear submission which explains why the land should be considered through the Cumberland Local Plan.
We can also provide ongoing Local Plan representations as the new plan moves through later consultation stages.
Initial Site Review
Early assessment of planning potential, opportunities and key risks.
Planning Constraints
Review of relevant policies, designations and planning history.
Call for Sites Submission
Preparation of the information required by Cumberland Council.
Supporting Planning Case
Evidence-led representations explaining the site's merits.
Local Plan Representations
Further submissions as policies and potential allocations emerge.
Ongoing Strategy
Advice throughout the Local Plan and land promotion process.
Sites across Cumberland
Cedar Planning can advise on sites across the Cumberland Local Plan area, including Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven, Maryport, Cockermouth, Wigton, Cleator Moor, Millom and surrounding rural areas.
Sites should not include land within St Cuthbert's Garden Village or the Lake District National Park because these areas are covered by separate Local Plans.
Frequently asked questions.
When is the Cumberland Call for Sites deadline?
The council's updated guidance gives a deadline of 23:59 on Friday 30 October 2026. An earlier notice gave 19 October 2026, so submit by the earlier date if you can.
I submitted my land previously. Do I need to submit it again?
Yes. Cumberland Council states that sites previously submitted to Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Copeland Borough Council or Cumbria County Council need to be submitted again through the new Cumberland process.
Does submitting a site mean it will be allocated?
No. Submission does not grant planning permission, allocate the site or guarantee future support from Cumberland Council. It allows the land to be assessed through the Local Plan process.
Who can put a site forward?
Anyone can put a site forward provided they have the landowner's permission.
Can Cedar Planning prepare the submission?
Yes. We can review the site's planning position, identify opportunities and constraints and prepare the Call for Sites submission and supporting planning case.
Planning support for landowners and developers.
Have land you want to promote in Cumberland?
Send us the site address or location and a brief description of what you are hoping to achieve. We can review the site and explain the most appropriate next steps.
Discuss Your Site