Thirlmere Activity Hub Expand 27th July 2017 We recently met with Cumbrian company Tree Top Treks to discuss their proposals for what has been termed a ‘Thirlmere Activity Hub’ comprising of an 18km family friendly cycleway and two zip wires across Thirlmere.The company has launched its plans for consultation prior to submitting a planning application to the Lake District National Park Authority.Whilst we have not yet seen a detailed planning application for the proposal (nor has it been submitted to the LDNPA) we are concerned regarding the impacts of this proposal.In terms of the cycle way element of the development we consider that this could be a positive development provided it is designed sensitively. This could provide a safe and enjoyable means of accessing the Lake District sustainably. Furthermore the creation of this cycleway could encourage more people to cycle as a way of accessing and enjoying the outdoors and the associated positive impacts on physical and mental health and wellbeing.However, the siting of the two zip wires East-West across Thirlmere we consider to be wholly inappropriate in this location and, from what we have seen so far, we would object to this element of the proposal.Although the structure itself may have a minimal impact we consider that whilst in use the proposal would cause significant detrimental impacts to the landscape character and diminish the tranquillity the Thirlmere valley possesses away from the A591. We are also concerned regarding the management of visitor numbers, increasing traffic and the provision of adequate parking for commercial development in this area of the National Park.National Parks are for everyone to enjoy not just those who can afford to participate in adventure experiences. A commercial development of this type in this prominent location could potentially have a significant impact on the features people visit the Lake District to enjoy – the landscapes, the tranquillity, the heritage.Furthermore, we must now also consider the Lake District’s newly bestowed status as a World Heritage site. The Thirlmere Valley makes an important contribution to the Lake District’s Outstanding Universal Value – the reasons for being awarded the status. This is especially true of the Valley’s association with the early conservation movement. Thirlmere, and the resistance to the desire to create a reservoir to service Manchester in the 1870’s was a seminal moment in the history of the conservation movement and landscape protection in the UK and beyond. This battle brought in to focus the fact that landscapes matter to everyone, not just those who own land; it highlighted the incredible natural resources of the Lake District but also its vulnerability and sensitivity.This proposal once again brings these issues in to focus albeit in a thoroughly modern context. Further information can be found on the company’s website www.treetoptrek.co.uk/Thirlmere where you can also submit feedback to the developer during this consultation phase prior to submission of a planning application.The developer will also be holding a drop in session for the public on August 1st 2017 from 3pm -7pm at Thirlmere Recreational Hall. We would urge any members who are interested and who can attend to do so as this will be a good opportunity to see the plans in a greater level of detail and give your feedback to the developers.We would stress that this application has not yet been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority. We will ensure that you are kept updated on the progression of this application.
Energy proposals at Old Hutton Expand Update 27th June 2017 Application SL/2017/0425 comprising of the Installation of a 49.99 MW battery storage facility with associated equipment, and application SL/2017/0426 comprising of the installation of gas fired electricity generating station. You can still respond to these applications by submitting comments via the South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) website. The application reference numbers are: SL/2017/0425 and SL/2017/0426 and can be accessed via these links or by searching on the SLDC website. You can also arrange to view the applications at the SLDC offices in Kendal. Update 14th June 2017 Application SL/2017/0425 comprising of the Installation of a 49.99 MW battery storage facility with associated equipment, and application SL/2017/0426 comprising of the installation of gas fired electricity generating station. Friends of the Lake District have assessed the above proposals and objected to both on the basis of landscape and visual impacts, both individually and cumulatively, transport impacts and the removal of diverse hedgerow to enable access. We do not consider that the applications have fully assessed the impacts of these proposals and they do not provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the arguments for the proposals. Our full response can be read here. 16th May 2017 We are aware that two planning applications have been submitted to South Lakeland District Council for significant energy related infrastructure on land at Greenmoor Bank, Old Hutton Kendal. Our planning officer is currently assessing these proposals and will issue our written responses to the application in due course. Initial assessment has raised concerns over the cumulative impacts of the development alongside current infrastructure as well as the two applications combined. We are particularly concerned regarding detrimental impacts on landscape character and visual amenity from key viewpoints including the Helm. The application reference numbers are: SL/2017/0425 and SL/2017/0426 and can be accessed via the SLDC website or by arranging to view the application at the SLDC offices in Kendal.
Car Park at Derwentwater Expand 23rd April 2017 Proposals for a permanent car park for up to 65 vehicles near Catbells have been lodged with the Lake District National Park Authority. Whilst it is acknowledged that there are significant issues with illegal parking in the area we are concerned that this proposal would exacerbate the situation. We consider that it would be more appropriate for the LDNPA to continue to work with all partners and encourage sustainable transport methods to access this popular fell. The proximity to Keswick and the availability of the launch, bus service, and opportunities for walking and cycling to the area mean that the need for private car use is not essential. By formalising car parking in this area would draw a greater number of private vehicles in to this area and would have a negative impact upon the landscape character and tranquillity of the area. Our comments to the LDNPA in full can be viewed here. Change of use of agricultural land to create a permanent car park, The Cupboard Field, Newlands, Portinscale, Keswick, CA12 5UE(pdf document - click to view / download)
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine Expand 26th April 2017 We are aware that Honister Slate Mine is progressing an application for a new zip wire due to be submitted imminently . We have had pre application discussions with the applicants and their agent. We will assess the proposal fully once submitted. Given the likely interest in this proposal we intend to make our response available on this website page at the earliest opportunity.
Lorton - Outline proposal for 5 dwellings Expand Lorton Housing update 14th June 2017 A new application has been submitted for Outline permission for residential development (7/2017/2129) at Croft Barn Low Lorton. The Planning Officer is currently assessing this proposal and will submit a representation in due course. The application remains on the same site as 7/2016/2245 which we objected to on the basis of adverse landscape impacts. The current application can be accessed here by typing 7/2017/2129 in planning reference box http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display 26th April 2017 We have recently worked with local residents in Lorton on an outline proposal for 5 dwellings which we believed would have a detrimental impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the area including damage to the distinctive views South West across the valley to the High Fells. Whilst we recognise the need to deliver housing within the National Park we considered that the perceived need in this case did not outweigh the impact upon landscape character. This application went before the April Development Control Committee and has now been refused. OUr full written response is available to view / download here: 7_2016_2245_LOW_LORTON_FLD_.pdf
Lamplugh Housing Expand 14th June 2017 The Planning Officer is currently assessing an application for 27 executive dwellings in Lamplugh on a side adjacent to the National Park Boundary. We are concerned regarding the density of such development in this area and the associated landscape and visual impacts. We will provide an update once the application has been fully assessed and a site visit undertaken.
West Cumbria Mining proposals Expand 14th June 2017 Friends of the Lake District has received a consultation from Cumbria County Council for the Development of an existing surface mine entrance for a new underground metallurgical coal mine and associated surface development at Pow Beck Valley and area from Marchon Site to St Bees Coast, Cumbria. We have previously provided pre-application response relating to this development and we are currently assessing the proposals at submitted. We will provide an update on this as we progress our response. The application can be accessed on the Cumbria County Council website under the reference number 4/17/9007.