The 25-year plan includes more provision for pedestrians

The plan, described as "visionary" by tourism bosses, will shape the future of Windermere and Bowness in Cumbria.

The multi-million pound project will aim to improve local public transport, parking, public art and shopping.

Recent studies showed there was little to encourage tourists to move between Windermere and Bowness and pedestrian space in the villages was substandard.

Blueprints for the project were drawn up by urban design consultants Spawforth Associates.

Windermere is one of the country's top tourist destinations

They were commissioned by a consortium including Cumbria Tourist Board, the Lakes Market Town Initiative, the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council.

Richard Greenwood, director of development at Cumbria Tourist Board, said the two villages stood to benefit socially and economically from an improved environment.

He said: "The purpose of the plan is to take a long-term approach to Windermere and Bowness so that they become better places to live, work and visit.

"Windermere and Bowness are competing now not just with other areas of the UK, but with overseas destinations too."

Andy Lowe, conservation officer of the Lake District National Park Authority, said the strategy would create attractive spaces for visitors which were in-keeping with the area.

A final plan will be prepared after widespread consultation and then work will begin on raising funds and working up detailed schemes.