A UNIQUE planning process pioneered by the Prince of Wales to involve an entire community in the development of housing could be employed in a South Lakeland village this summer, reports Caroline Beamish.

The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, which developed the Enquiry by Design' approach, has now stated it is willing to become involved in a project to provide more homes in Troutbeck at prices local people can afford to pay.

The Enquiry by Design approach means inviting stakeholders and all those with an interest in the community to air problems and issues with a scheme as they arise during a round table meeting.

Formal permission from the Prince of Wales himself will be sought to allow the charity to help organise the planning process once South Lakeland District Council, other authorities and a housing association give a commitment to become involved.

Mr Farron said he was delighted the Prince's Foundation was willing to get involved with a project to provide more affordable homes in Troutbeck.

"With the lack of affordable housing being such a big issue locally, we need to look at innovative solutions, and Enquiry by Design is certainly that."