Honister Zipewire Plans Resurface

12 January 2023

A controversial planning consent for a zip wire attraction at Honister Slate Mine in 2018 was never implemented but now, revised proposals have been submitted. We are currently reviewing the revised plans and will respond in detail shortly. To view the application and make comments, search for planning reference 7/2023/2286 here>

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Volunteers thanked at Friends of Lake District Awards

Hard working volunteers for the landscape charity Friends of the Lake District were recognised and rewarded at a special awards event at the Windermere Jetty Museum on Thursday 25 April.
23 April 2024: The Helm, paths to summer adventures

We were joined by a big group of volunteers with clippers, loppers and saws this week for bramble, bracken, and gorse management, to keep paths clear and create fire breaks.
Leaders' Landscape Training: The Westmorland Dales: its natural and cultural heritage

The Westmorland Dales has been described as one of the best preserved prehistoric archaeological landscapes north of Salisbury Plain. The landscape has been hugely influenced by the way people have exploited and managed it for thousands of years. The walk will explore this, attempting to decipher the layers in the landscape.
Leaders' Landscape Training: Understanding Tranquillity

Tranquillity is one of many components that come together to create the overall character of a landscape, and it is something that many visitors to the Lake District and Cumbria come to enjoy but it is often misunderstood or not fully understood even by those tasked with protecting it.

Allithwaite and Cartmel Residents called to Neighbourhood Plan vote

A local referendum on 29 February will decide whether a new Neighbourhood Plan for Allithwaite and Cartmel should be brought into force. We lobbied for policies in the plan to protect dark skies and restrict new-build properties in Cartmel to permanent homes only - a first for Cumbria.
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
Whinlatter Zip Wires Proposal

Friends of the Lake District submitted a brief response on 9th November 2023 stating that based on a revised application by the applicant which removed two very long, intrusive new zip wires, it no longer objected to this application on landscape grounds.
Barn conversion proposals threaten National Parks

We recently joined other organisations in signing a letter to Michael Gove demonstrating the strength of opposition to proposals for a relaxation of planning rules, including allowing the unplanned conversion of rural buildings.
Thirlmere West Road closure

On 10 November Cumberland Council granted approval of a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order on the Thirlmere West Road, which was temporarily closed in 2021 following damage by storm Arwen. We continue to work to put pressure on United Utilities and Cumberland Council to reopen the road to walkers and cyclists as soon as possible.
New planning restrictions for holiday lets?

The Government is asking for views on a proposed new restriction that would require people to get planning consent in order to use a property as a short-term holiday let.
Yorkshire Dales seeks views on new housing sites and open spaces

The Yorkshire Dales National Park authority has launched a consultation running until 12th May seeking views on sites they propose to allocate for future housing development and protect as open space.
Temporary camp site rules relaxed

We were very disappointed to learn in July that nationally set ‘permitted development rights’ for temporary campsites have been extended on a permanent basis from 28 to 60 days, including in protected landscapes.
New proposal for car park at Ullock Moss

This application had been due to go to the Planning Committee in early March 2023 but has now been withdrawn. The Applicant has, however, issued a withdrawal statement indicating that they plan to submit another application which you can read here
South Copeland Community Partnership (SCCP)

Friends of the Lake District is now a member of the South Copeland Community Partnership (SCCP). Government policy on nuclear waste disposal states that local people have to make the decision as to whether or not they want a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) in their area and to enable this, a community partnership is set up.

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Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.
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High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR