Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine We are concerned about the basis for the decision to approve an application for a zipwire at Honister Slate Mine, and have requested that the Government “calls in” the application. Expand Update 4th December 2018 We have been assured by the National Planning Casework Unit that the Lake District National Park Authority has agreed not to issue their decision notice on the Honister Zip Wire until the Secretary of State has confirmed whether or not he will call-in the application. 15th November 2018 Friends of the Lake District is concerned about the basis for the decision to approve an application for a Dual Purpose Aerial Wire at Honister Slate Mine, and has requested that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government “calls in” this application. This means we have asked that the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) is prevented from granting permission and for the application to be determined instead by the Secretary of State. We have done this because we believe the decision was contrary to legislation relating to National Parks and to national and local planning policy. The Sandford Principle requires that in National Parks, where there is a conflict between economic and landscape interests, the requirement to conserve and enhance the landscape must be given greater weight. In coming to their decision, the LDNPA gave significant weight to the economic benefits of the proposal, but limited value was placed on the non-visual aspects of landscape character. The decision was contrary to both the Authority’s own officer recommendations and Natural England’s objection on landscape impact grounds. The application has also been determined before a legally required assessment of the proposal’s impact on sites of international biodiversity importance has been concluded. We await the Secretary of State’s decision on whether or not the application will be called-in. If he agrees to call-in the case, he will also confirm that an inquiry will be held and the decision will be reviewed by a Planning Inspector. If he decides not to call it in, we will work with other interested organisations to consider whether any other action can be taken. Cumbria Wildlife Trust, ZipOff, the Open Spaces Society and CPRE all support our view and have also asked for the decision to be called in. Image credit: Ben Barden, Cumbria Photos 7th November 2018 Planning Application: Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine - APPROVED Friends of the Lake District considers there to be little justification for the Lake District National Park Authority Members ignoring the advice of its Planning Officer and agreeing to this development. We consider this to be a highly sensitive location and that this development will have a detrimental impact on the landscape character, tranquillity and biodiversity of the area. Both lines are intended to be used for the movement of stone and the shorter line is to be accessible for all including those who may not be able to access the full via ferrata. The applicant contends that the new uses outweigh the detrimental impacts of the proposal. Whilst the two proposed new uses of the wire are commendable in terms of supporting the existing business use of the site and providing a new experience in the Lake District which is accessible for all, in our opinion, they do not outweigh the detrimental impacts of the scheme. We consider the zip wire to be an inappropriate addition to the offering which will result in unacceptable detrimental landscape impacts. Our main concerns are: The conflicts with the National Park purposes The landscape and visual impacts of the development in this high fell landscape Impacts upon tranquillity by means of incongruous noise and movement at the site Transport impacts on the local road network Potential impacts upon open access land. Additionally, we feel that the application failed to provide sufficient information regarding the potential number of users, particularly on the additional shorter line. Whilst the capacity of the ‘main’ line is limited by the numbers of people completing the via ferrata there will be no such restriction on the shorter line and it is likely to become a popular attraction in its own right. The application did not address this issue and we are now concerned that this development will intensify the tourism and recreation activity on the site and create additional noise and traffic impacts. We also have major concerns relating to the potential for adverse impacts on international biodiversity designations; concerns shared by Natural England in its response to this application. 17th October 2018 Honister – decision to be made on 7th November. We have submitted a response to the recent extra consultation on the application, making clear that our concerns about the impacts on the landscape, tranquillity and biodiversity of the area remain. This is despite additional information being provided by the applicant that did clarify some of the queries we had raised in our earlier objection. We are pleased to see that Natural England has also responded to this extra consultation and that they share our concerns relating to the potential impact on international biodiversity designations. 13th September 2018 A further consultation is underway on proposals for a zip-wire at Honister Slate Mine. The proposals were submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority in January, but following comments received during consultation, the applicants were asked to provide further details of their plans. Now that this extra information has been received, people are being given a further chance to comment. Friends of the Lake District objected to the proposals due to impacts on landscape character, visual amenity and the tranquillity of the area and will be commenting again at this stage. The application can be viewed on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planningsearch The reference number is 7/2018/2011. The consultation closes on 8 October 2018 and comments can be made by emailing [email protected] or by writing to Lake District National Park Authority, Murley Moss, Kendal, LA9 7RL. It is expected that a decision on the proposals will be made at the Lake District National Park Authority’s Development Control Committee meeting on 7 November 2018. you'll find more detailed instructions on how to submit your own comments here> 13th March 2018 Written response submitted to the planning authority by Friends of the Lake District We have now written and submitted a full response to the planning authority which is now available to view / download at the link below: 7 2018 2011 Honister Zip Wire application FLD response.pdf 23rd February 2018 Planning Update: Honister Aerial Flight As you may be aware, another application has been submitted by Honister Slate Mine for an aerial flight (zip wire). Whilst the line of the wire remains the same as the 2012 application (7/2012/2243) the applicant considers the proposal to be different from previous applications because: The wire would be dual purpose and used to transport slate from the mine opening The secondary shorter line at the intermediate point will be accessible for all enabling disabled users and younger children to participate in the zip wire attraction. We recognise that both of these added uses are commendable in terms of supporting the existing business use of the site and providing a new experience in the Lake District which is accessible for all. However, we do not consider that these additional uses outweigh the detrimental impacts of the proposal which have previously resulted in the application being refused.We have carefully assessed the proposals, visited the site and, as an organisation which advocates for the landscape, we have taken the decision to object to the submitted proposals.Our main concerns are: The conflicts with the National Park purposes The landscape and visual impacts of the development in this high fell landscape Impacts upon tranquillity by means of incongruous noise and movement at the site Transport impacts on the local road network Potential impacts upon open access land. We consider that the application does not provide sufficient information regarding the potential number of users, particularly on the additional shorter line. Whilst the capacity of the ‘main’ line is limited by the numbers of people completing the via ferrata there would be no such restriction on the shorter line and it is likely to become a popular attraction in its own right.The application does not address this issue and we are concerned that this would intensify the tourism and recreation activity on the site and create additional noise and traffic impacts.Whilst we commend Honister Slate Mine for their diversification at the site, including the mine tours and via ferrata, we consider that the zip wire is an inappropriate addition to the offering which will result in unacceptable detrimental landscape impacts.From previous applications, we expect and respect that not everyone may agree with our position. Although we object as an organisation, we are encouraging our membership, and members of the public, to engage in the planning process whatever their view.The best way to make your voice heard is to write to the Lake District National Park Authority (the planning authority) with your views on the application. Anyone can make comments on a planning application regardless of where you live, and whether you are objecting to or supporting the proposal.You should email any comments to [email protected] and include Planning Reference Number 7/2018/2011 in your correspondence. The closing date for comments is 26th March 2018. You can also write to the planning authority. We've included some additional notes in the link below which also includes instructions for viewing or downloading this planning application. Additional Guidance on submitting comments to the Planning Authority>And finally, we will be making our full written response available online once it has been submitted to the planning authority.26th January 2018 We have been made aware that the planning proposal detailed below is now live and available to view online at the LDNPA planning portal. Planning Reference: 7/2018/2011 (Full Planning application) Proposal: Dual purpose aerial wire for extraction of stone and tourism use Location: Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, CA12 5XN View the application We have been invited to consult on the application and now that we are in receipt, we will be assessing as soon as possible. We will not be commenting on the application until we have thoroughly read and assessed the proposal. We have engaged with the applicants when they have requested and we will be interested to see if our advice has been incorporated into the development of the proposals. 12th January 2018 We are aware that Honister Slate Mine has submitted an application for a new zip wire. We will assess the proposal fully once sumbission has been processed and application is made available for download by the planning authority. 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.
Energy proposals at Old Hutton Expand 6th November 2018 A proposal for a new gas-fired power station in open countryside near Old Hutton, three miles from Kendal was turned down by planning committee for a second time this year on Friday 2nd November, by a whisker. Thirty eight members of the public, joined landscape conservation charity Friends of the Lake District’s planning officer Lorayne Wall to speak against the proposal at the planning committee meeting. South Lakeland District Council had recommended it for approval, despite significant objections from local residents. Members of the planning committee voted 5 votes to 5, with one abstention and the chair having the casting vote, voted against accepting the application. A proposal for a larger power station and battery storage facility on the site of an existing electrical substation was turned down in January this year. The application covered an area of just over three hectares of land, in open countryside close to Old Hutton village, and would have roughly doubled the size of the existing electricity substation there. Many in local communities have campaigned against the proposals since their original submission in May 2017. The original application, for a 49.99MW battery storage facility and a 49.99MW gas fired electricity generation station on land to the north of the Old Hutton Substation, was turned down by planners in January this year. This new application for a gas fired power station at the site is without the battery storage facility this time.Friends of the Lake District objected to the two original schemes and also objected to the recent proposal, on the same grounds as our earlier objection, on the basis of landscape and visual impacts in a rural agricultural landscape, transport impacts on the local rural roads, including through nearby villages and hamlets, and the removal of diverse hedgerow and trees to enable access. Read more about this and our response here. Lorayne Wall, Friends of the Lake District’s planning officer, said: “We were pleased that proposals for a gas-fired power station in open countryside near Old Hutton were rejected for the second time this year on Friday. This was due in no small part to almost 40 local community members, along with MP Tim Farron and the Leader of South Lakeland District Council, Giles Archibald, who all spoke strongly against the proposal at planning committee.” Update 31st October 2018 South Lakeland District Council has recommended the proposal for a gas fired power station at Old Hutton for APPROVAL. We will be appearing at the planning committee meeting on Friday 2nd November to present our objections to the proposal. Update 13th July 2018 Gas fired power station at Old Hutton resubmitted The applicant has lodged a new application for a gas fired power station at the site. It is a resubmission and replaces the two earlier applications, for a gas fired electricity generating station and a battery storage facility that were rejected in January. This time the new application is for a 49.99W gas fired power station on the site (no battery storage facility). Friends of the Lake District objected to the two original schemes and also object to the current proposal, on the same grounds as our earlier objection, on the basis of landscape and visual impacts in a rural agricultural landscape, transport impacts on the local rural roads, including through nearby villages and hamlets, and the removal of diverse hedgerow and trees to enable access. View our response here. You can view the proposal on the South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) website here by searching on reference SL/2018/0388. You can also arrange to view the applications at the SLDC offices in Kendal. You can respond to this application by submitting comments via the SLDC website, or by email, send your comments to [email protected] OR write to: Development Management Group Manager South Lakeland House Lowther Street Kendal LA9 4DL You must quote the reference SL/2018/0388 in your correspondence. The official deadline for making comments has now passed, (20th July) but you can still send comments in until the planning committee meeting at which the decision will be made. There is currently no date for this yet. Our response to the previous applications can be read here. Update 5th January 2018 South Lakeland District Council Planning Committee has rejected two applications for a 49.99MW Battery storage facility and a 49.99MW gas fired electricity generation station on land to the north of the Old Hutton Substation. Read our full press release Update 11th October 2017 We expected this application would go to Committee in late September. However, there has been an ongoing dialogue between South Lakeland District Council and the Planning Inspectorate as to whether or not the two applications should be determined by the council or under the NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project) process by the Planning Inspectorate, given both are marginally under the 50MW threshold but cumulatively are far above that threshold. An extension of time, until 5th January 2018, to determine the applicant has been agreed. 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 (SLDC) 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.
Threlkeld housing applications Expand Update 17th October 2018 We recently responded to consultation on two applications for housing developments in Threlkeld. There have been several applications for housing development in Threlkeld recently and here too we feel that this represents an overdevelopment of the village. We are pleased to see that one of the proposals (the 3 dwellings at Station Road) has been withdrawn and we await news on the second proposal.September 2018 Threlkeld village has seen something of a bombardment of planning applications lately and we have key concerns about the cumulative impacts of these as well as the landscape and settlement character impacts of the individual proposals. This one concerns 8 houses at Blease Road, and 3 local needs houses at Station Road. See our response here.
Crosthwaite Expand 17th October 2018 We recently responded to consultation on a proposal for 5 dwellings at Crosthwaite. Crosthwaite has seen significant housing development for a village its size recently and is also under consideration for approximately 50 more in the Lake District National Park Authority’s Local Plan Review. We expressed our concern that this is resulting in overdevelopment as well as about the type and size of housing proposed on this scheme, the need for it and the design. Read our response.
Kendal Flood Defence Scheme Expand Kendal Flood Defence Scheme - We attended a consultation drop-in event on 17th October and have requested a meeting with the Environment Agency to get a better understanding of the proposals, which will affect the Kent catchment including Burneside, Staveley and Kentmere as well as Kendal itself.
Penrith Masterplan Expand 14th November 2018 Press Release issued today: Penrith Masterplan Concerns The Penrith Strategic Masterplan covering Penrith and land to the east of the town proposes three new villages, 5,560 houses, new jobs, town centre improvements and upgrades to local road infrastructure. Following the conclusion of an eight week public engagement process, Eden District Council’s ‘Beacon Villages’ website, which provides information about the masterplan, states that its intention will now be to prepare a report to go before Council Members in December 2018 which will include an overview of the engagement process and outline the next steps and timescales for taking forward a formal review of the Eden Local Plan next year. Local residents in the Penrith area have expressed concerns to landscape charity, Friends of the Lake District about the proposals including whether this scale of development is needed and negative impacts on the local landscape and infrastructure. In its own response to the consultation, Friends of the Lake District has focussed on similar concerns to those raised by residents and drawn attention to the cumulative impact of the proposals when viewed in conjunction with ‘garden village’ plans for 10,000 houses south of Carlisle and the emerging Eden Local Plan document, which itself proposes significant development. Lorayne Wall, Planning Officer at Friends of the Lake District, “We have concerns about the limited extent to which the impact of the proposals on the landscape has been assessed, but we also have significant concerns about the process that has been used to promote and develop the Masterplan document. “It is not clear for example how the ‘preferred option’ for the future of the area has been reached, what other options were considered and why they were excluded. Other concerns include that the current and proposed future status of the Masterplan is also unclear and no assessment has been made of the cumulative impacts of this scale of development taking place alongside other plans for significant development such as Carlisle’s ‘garden village’, A66 upgrades and development proposed in the Eden and other authorities’ Local Plans. “We have been working closely with members of the local community and it’s great to see so many of them getting involved and ensuring that they get their say in the future of their town and the wider Eden valley. We’ll continue our work with them to ensure that our shared concerns are taken on board.” To find out more about the Masterplan, including details of several upcoming consultation events and how to comment, visit http://beaconvillages.co.uk/ Update 17 October 2018 Penrith Masterplan – We attended a consultation drop-in event on 17th October and are preparing a response to the proposals for over 5000 houses to the east of Penrith. The deadline is 2nd November. Eden District Council is consulting on a Masterplan covering Penrith and land to the east of the town, including the Beacon Hill. The Masterplan proposes three new villages, 5,560 houses, new jobs, town centre improvements and upgrades to local road infrastructure. Local residents in the Penrith area have expressed concerns to Friends of the Lake District about the proposals including whether this scale of development is needed and negative impacts on the local landscape and infrastructure. A local campaign group called ‘Keep Penrith Special’ has formed. We will be reviewing the Masterplan and preparing a response to the consultation, which ends on 2nd November. Our response is likely to focus on similar issues to those raised by local people, as well as on the cumulative effects of the proposals with ‘garden village’ plans for 10,000 houses south of Carlisle and the emerging Eden Local Plan document, which itself proposes significant development. People can view the Masterplan and find out more, including details of several upcoming consultation events and how to comment, at http://beaconvillages.co.uk/
Consultation on storing high level radioactive waste underground Expand 31st July 2018 Today the government published its Draft National Policy statement for Geological Disposal Infrastructure which will be taken to Parliament later this year. Despite serious concerns raised by Friends of the Lake District, Lake District National Park Authority, Campaign for National Parks and many others the government has decided to not exclude protected landscapes from being considered for hosting a radioactive waste site. This has major implications for the Lake District and the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as west Cumbria is seen as a potential host community, given previous attempts to site one here and the close proximity of the nuclear power station, Sellafield, and proposed nuclear power station, Moorside. We make two key points in our responses to the consultation earlier this year, (see below) and these concerns both still stand as the government has not taken them into account. April 2018 We have responded to a government draft National Policy Statement on how to select a site for a deep Geological Disposal Facility for high level nuclear waste in the UK. We have also responded to a separate consultation 'Working With Communities' to encourage communities to volunteer to host the facility. This has major implications for the Lake District and the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as west Cumbria is seen as a potential host community, given previous attempts to site one here and the close proximity of the nuclear power station, Sellafield, and proposed nuclear power station, Moorside. We make two key points in our responses: We believe that Protected Landscapes, such as national parks, AONBs and World Heritage Sites, should be excluded from being considered as a potential site for storing this type of nuclear waste. We believe that the national importance of landscapes that receive the highest level of legal and policy protection possible should be respected and that they should be excluded from the process. We also feel that it is insufficient to simply leave the decision to proceed with local communities. The Lake District is a national park because it is recognised to be a ‘national asset’. If a community in or near the Lake District was to put itself forward as a host for a Geological Disposal Facility, the Government should undertake a test of public support on national basis so that everyone with an interest in the Lake District has the opportunity to input into the process. Previous studies have shown that the Lake District’s geology makes it wholly unsuitable for a Geological Disposal Facility. We are concerned that the emphasis from government is on finding willing host communities rather than first looking for sites with suitable geology for this type of activity. This facility must be sited 1km underground within 20 square kilometres of impermeable rock type such as clay or salt. This is the sort of geology needed to contain radioactive gases and particles for up to 100,000 years. The geology of the western Lake District is highly fractured and faulted and unfortunately, there is no guarantee that human engineered containment would last 100,000 years. Over such an extended timescale it is likely that water would permeate through the rock and into the Irish sea and other ground water bringing radioactive particles with it. It is unethical to leave future generations with a legacy of poorly contained radioactive waste. We therefore believe that no community should be allowed to volunteer as a host unless it can be first be confirmed that the geology of the area is suitable. Download / view our full responses here: Friends of the Lake District response to BEIS Implementing Geological Disposal NPS (pdf) Friends of the Lake District response to BEIS Working With Communities consultation final (pdf)
St Cuthbert's "garden village" Carlisle Expand Update 14 August 2018 We are pleased to see that preferences expressed in our earlier comments for smaller expansions to several settlements rather than one huge extension to Carlisle have been taken on board. We also welcome the many positive intentions set out in the consultation document, particularly for green infrastructure. However, we still have some concerns, including over the scale of and justification for the development; the reliance of the project on increasing road capacity through a southern link road; the likelihood of these positive ambitions materialising in the final plans and the lack of evidence of proper consideration of landscape and visual impacts. Read our latest response here Update 2 August 2018The deadline for the public to respond to this consultation is 10th August. There will be further opportunities to respond further along in the process though. 28th March 2018We have responded to the first consultation about the proposed 'garden village' south of Carlisle. The UK government has indicated that it is minded to support the development of an entirely new and very large settlement of up to 10,000 homes to the south of Carlisle and has awarded some initial funding for the development of this concept. Read our full response here.
Thornthwaite/Braithwaite Expand Thornthwaite/Braithwaite – We recently spoke at a meeting of No Go Gondola, a community group concerned about proposals for a cable car close to the villages of Thornthwaite and Braithwaite, to explain our views on the proposal and to give an overview of relevant planning policy. We also recently responded to consultations on a hydro-electric scheme at Thornthwaite. We had no objection to the proposal in principle but raised concerns about the materials to be used, suggesting instead that local stone and slate be used. Read our response.
Kirkby Moor Windfarm Expand Update 2nd August 2018 Zephyr Investments has appealed against South Lakeland District Council’s decision to refuse its application to extend the life of its windfarm at Kirkby Moor. The windfarm, on the edge of the Lake District National Park on the Furness Peninsula, was granted temporary planning permission for 25 years in 1992. It will now go to a public inquiry in January 2019. The formal deadline for the public to object is 7 August but people can still make their views heard beyond that through local parish councils and campaign groups. We objected previously (to the original scheme, a re-powering of the scheme and to the application to extend its life) and will be adding further evidence for our objection as part of the appeal process - and we will be doing so as part of a 'Rule 6 coalition' along with other parties that have concerns about the proposal, mainly the group ‘Kirkby Moor Protectors’. 6th December 2017 Friends of the Lake District welcomes the decision by South Lakeland District Council Planning Committee to refuse the application by Zephyr Investments to retain the turbines on Kirby Moor, on the Furness peninsula, Cumbria, until 31st March 2027. Read our press release Time runs out for Kirkby Moor Windfarm 25th September 2017 We responded to the application to vary condition 6 - to extend the life of the wind farm. Read our response 26th November 2015 South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee has refused the application for repowering the Kirkby Moor windfarm. The proposal by energy company RWE comprised the decommissioning of the 12 existing turbines on the Kirkby Moor site and replacing them with 6 turbines with a blade tip height of 115m, over two and a half times the height of the current turbines. Read more...
Our response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Expand Friends of the Lake District has responded to the Government's consultation on an update for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF is the set of policies which all local authorities have to work to when writing their plans and dealing with planning applications, so it is really important that we makes sure our landscape and environment are protected by national policy. Unfortunately, it seems that there has been a weakening of protection for National Parks and AONBs along with a loss of recognition for Local Wildlife Sites. We are also concerned that the NPPF does not adequately address climate change, sustainable transport and is not based on the UN's most up-to-date definition of sustainable development to which the UK has signed up. You can find our response here. Friends_of_the_Lake_District_NPPF_response.pdf RESPOND TO THE NPPF - HOW YOU CAN HELP One of the proposed changes is the removal of the phrase "which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty" in the paragraph about designated landscapes. This might not seem like much but this simple phrase is an important element of the additional protections for places we all love so much. Please help us maintain strong protections by emailing [email protected] by Thursday 10 May with the below details: Subject: NPPF consultation response Response to Q35: I do not support the removal of the phrase ‘which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty’ in the first sentence of paragraph 170. It is essential that this phrase is reinstated in order to ensure that there is no doubt that additional planning protections continue to apply in National Parks. You can comment on the consultation until 11.45pm 10th May 2018.
Response to the Draft Strategic Transport Plan by Transport for the North Expand Friends of the Lake District has responded to Transport for the North’s consultation on their Draft Strategic Transport Plan. We have concerns that they have not taken National Parks and AONBs into account when drawing up their Plan and we hope that our response will highlight this omission so that it can be rectified. You can read our reponse here. Find more information about the consultation here: https://transportforthenorth.com/stp/
Thirlmere Activity Hub Expand 21st February 2018 National Park publishes Thirlmere Activity Hub report Following a Freedom of Information request by Friends of the Lake District, the Lake District National Park has just published their Planning Officer’s draft report on the Thirlmere Activity Hub application, which would have gone to the planning committee if the applicant had not withdrawn the application yesterday. You can read it here. (and see the entire application here)The report shows that the Planning Officers would have recommended the application for REFUSAL on grounds of harm to the landscape. The Lake District National Park Planning Team has heeded us, and everyone else who objected, and importantly has recognised the significance of our National Parks and the planning process in place that protects these special and valuable landscapes.Their response to this application is not only a victory for Thirlmere, but for the Lake District National Park and all our National Parks. 20th February 2018 Thirlmere Zipwire plans WITHDRAWN We've just received confirmation that the 'Thirlmere Activity Hub' planning application has been withdrawn. The Lake District National Park Authority had been due to discuss the application early next month but today, Mike Turner, managing director of Treetop Trek, has said that the plans had been withdrawn. We understand from press reports that Mike Turner, managing director of Treetop Trek Ltd has withdrawn the application because of the objection lodged by the Ministry of Defence and the fact that any resolution of this would be unlikely between now and the date of the planning committee hearing on March 7th. We'll update you when we have more information.... 12th January 2018 LDNPA Development Management Update: Thirlmere zip wire application to be decided on March 7th. The Lake District National Park has had 3,476 letters and emails of objection, a petition of 13,535 objecting, and only 163 letters and emails in favour. Thank you to everyone that took the time to write and engage with the planning authority. 21st December 2017 We have responded to the application for the Thirlmere Activity Hub, you can see a copy of our response here The deadline for comments has been extended to 12th January because the Lake District National Park Authority has received additional information about the application. 24th November 2017 A planning application has now been submitted and is available for viewing on the planning authority website at this link: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=7/2017/2298 We have published our initial assessment of this application together with instructions for writing your own response to the planning authority to voice any concerns you may have. The deadline for submissions is 2nd January 2018. Please visit the Thirlmere Activity Hub section of our website for more information. 23rd November 2017 Statement Tree Top Trek’s claim in their Consultation Report in their planning application - 7/2017/2298 In the consultation report the applicant, claims that Friends of the Lake District previously supported Thirlmere as a suitable location for zip wire development. The applicant has also chosen to oversimplify the summary of our discussions on 27th July. We would like to clarify this issue. Friends of the Lake District were approached by Mike Turner of Tree Top Trek nearly 3 years ago and asked for an opinion on where in the Lake District a zip wire proposal would be acceptable. Our representative at that time answered that any zip wire proposal should be outwith the Lake District National Park. During this discussion we stated, as we always have, that zip wire development and similar assault course type activities are best accommodated in forest settings such as Go Ape located in Grizedale where there is the capacity to contain the impacts. During this discussion Thirlmere was brought up as an area to look at due to the plantations but at no point did Friends of The Lake District endorse this as a suitable location and we certainly would never have endorsed zip wires across the lake. Furthermore, the applicant did not seek any further discussions on developing their proposalwith Friends of the Lake District until the current scheme was unveiled on 27th July 2017. For Tree Top Trek to claim that Friends of the Lake District in any way suggested or endorsed Thirlmere as a location for this proposal is wholly inaccurate. Friends of the Lake District has not been party to any discussions in the development of this particular proposal nor have we ever suggested that zip wire development would be appropriate in this location. Mr Turner has chosen to be selective in disseminating information regarding his discussions with us 3 years ago and did not follow up these discussions in the development of his proposal. If he had done, we would categorically have stated that the proposal is unsuitable for this site. 14th November 2017 We understand that a Planning Application has now been submitted by TreeTop Trek for the ‘Thirlmere Activity Hub’ to include multiple zip wires across Thirlmere with the lines stretching from one side of the lake to the other. As soon as the plans are processed and accessible we will be providing our initial assessment, details about what actions you can take, how to compose a letter to the Lake District National Park (the planning authority), your local MP’s contact information and press contact information so that you are able to share any concerns that you may have. 24th October 2017 We were recently informed about an inaccurate statement referring to Friends of the Lake District on the Thirlmere Activity Hub Facebook page posted by a third party on 11th October. The statement reads: “Its great to hear that Friends of the Lake District have worked constructively to suggest to the promoters that Thirlmere should be considered as a suitable location. For once I agree with then and cannot think of a better place within the LDNP for a 1km+ zip wire facility.” We contacted TreeTop Trek on 18th October to inform them of the inaccuracy of this statement, asking them to remove it from the post. Our request was refused by TreeTop Trek so we made the following direct comment underneath the Facebook post on the Thirlmere Activity Hub Facebook page asking the third party responsible for the post to remove the statement. Dear ***, We can only assume that you have been misinformed and we would appreciate knowing where this information was sourced as we are obviously keen that all comment – in support of or against - potential planning applications is fair and accurate. We are disappointed that TreeTop Trek has expressed little concern at the inaccuracies in your statement about our organisation despite our drawing its attention to them. We hope that you take our concerns more seriously as publishing false or inaccurate comment does little to enhance the credibility of what is obviously a well constructed argument on your part. The following section of your statement is untrue and we formally request that you edit this post and remove this comment as a matter of urgency. “Its great to hear that Friends of the Lake District have worked constructively to suggest to the promoters that Thirlmere should be considered as a suitable location. For once I agree with then and cannot think of a better place within the LDNP for a 1km+ zip wire facility.” We welcome accurate and fair comment and recognise that informed debate is a necessary component of any potential planning project, but misinformation is damaging for all concerned. Full details of all of our public comments to date on this proposal can be accessed via the planning section of our website. We’ve also included information about how to engage with the planning process to ensure that your opinion is heard if and when a formal application is submitted to the planning authority. https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Category/current-planning-applications As an organisation, and with respect to planning applicants, we deem it reasonable to wait for a formal application to be submitted so that we are able to read and make a considered response in a fair and professional manner. If and when the applicant submits a formal planning application we will be providing our Members and the wider general public with information on the key issues and how to engage in the planning system to ensure that their views are heard and considered by the Lake District National Park Authority. This comment was subsequently deleted by TreeTop Trek from its Thirlmere Activity Hub Facebook feed. This has necessitated us publishing this clarification on our own Facebook page and on own website to draw attention to the inaccuracy of this statement. We have a policy of commenting on planning applications only when they are formally submitted but we will of course correct inaccurate information posted about our organisation where it appears in the public domain. 20th October We are aware that Tree Top Trek has recently released a visual impression of the proposed zip wires at Thirlmere. As we have previously indicated it is likely that the zipwires themselves will have a limited visual impact. However, when in use the visual impacts will increase in severity. It is our understanding that the planning application will be accompanied by a landscape and visual impact assessment which we will assess fully when available. Furthermore, it should be noted that the visual impact only forms part of our concerns regarding this proposal. We consider that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the landscape character and tranquillity of the Thirlmere Valley and, as such, would conflict with the purposes of the National Park. Although we do not know exactly when the application will be submitted we believe it is imminent and will provide further details as soon as we are able to. 11th October Thank you to all who have contacted us expressing concern and supporting our position regarding this proposal. We expect an application to be submitted by the end of October. We will be contacting members with details as soon as the application is valid and open for representations. 6th September Following on from our meeting on site with Treetop Trek and attending the public session on 31st August we have had a number of interested parties and organisations contact us. Our Planning Officer, Laura Fiske, attended The Lakes Area meeting of the British Mountaineering Council on 6th September to convey our concerns regarding the detrimental impacts of the zip wire proposal. The Applicant, Mike Turner, of Treetop Trek also attended and this resulted in an open and healthy debate. Our position on the proposed zip wire remains unchanged. We do not consider that proposal would positively contribute to the purposes of the National Park as set out in The Environment Act 1995. These purposes are to: Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public Some may argue that the proposal could be an opportunity for the promotion and enjoyment of the National Park. However, given the level of detrimental impact this proposal could have on the landscape character visual amenity and tranquillity of the Thirlmere Valley we consider that at the very least it would create conflict between these two purposes. The Sandford Principle, as revised in The Environment Act 1995, is clear in stating: "If it appears that there is a conflict between those purposes, [the National Park Authority] shall attach greater weight to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area". Furthermore, we remain concerned regarding the precedent that this proposal would set for further inappropriate development in the Thirlmere Valley and the wider Lake District. Whilst the proposal currently being discussed does not include ancillary commercial development related to the zip wire or cycle route we are concerned that this will follow. We believe that National Parks are for everyone not just those who can afford to pay for ‘an experience’. The world class landscapes that warrant the designation as a National Park and World Heritage Site provide many free and wonderful experiences to be enjoyed in different ways. As the proposal has not yet been submitted we will continue to liaise with interested parties and organisations as well as updating our Members if any new information arises. The applicant has given an indication that the target for submitting the application is ‘Autumn’. Once submitted we will be providing Members with information on the key issues and how to engage in the planning system to ensure that their views are heard and considered by the Lake District National Park Authority. 31st August 2017 Treetop Trek, who have unveiled proposals for what has been termed a ‘Thirlmere Activity Hub’ comprising of an 18km family friendly cycleway and two zip wires across Thirlmere met with locals this afternoon at a consultation event held at Swirls Car Park. The event was attended by our Planning Officer Laura Fiske and Chief Executive Douglas Chalmers. 14th August 2017 Email sent with an update on this proposal and our position to - membership, partners and contacts. You can read the full text of our update by clicking this link 27th July 2017 We recently met with Cumbrian company Treetop Trek 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.
Lorton - Outline proposal for 5 dwellings Expand Lorton Housing update 18th December 2017 Correction of statement: In a members mailout detailing planning work entitled 'Planning Matters: December update' sent on December 14th to our members and contacts we included detail stating that planning application 7/2016/2245 was for 5 detached houses. This was inaccurate. The development detailed in this application consists of 2 detached houses and 3 terraced houses. Lorton Housing update 7th December 2017 We were recently informed by the LDNPA that an appeal has been lodged to overturn the original decision of refusal for planning application 7/2016/2245. The application was refused by the LDNPA Development Control Committee in April this year. Subsequently the applicant resubmitted the application with an element of affordable housing attached (2 dwellings of 5 proposed) (7/2017/2129). This was approved by the Development Control Committee contrary to officer recommendation. The appeal which has been lodged relates to application 7/2016/2245, the original refused application. Information on the application, including the applicants statement on their grounds for appeal here: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=7/2016/2245&backURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display?paSearchKey=678101%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%20%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%27wphappsearchres.displayResultsURL?ResultID=1488818%26StartIndex=1%26SortOrder=rgndat:desc%26DispResultsAs=WPHAPPSEARCHRES%26BackURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display?paSearchKey=678101%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%27%3ESearch%20Results%3C/a%3E The appeal will be determined on the basis of written representations. The procedure to be followed is set out in Part 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Written Representations Procedure) (England) Regulations 2009 as amended. If you wish to make additional comments, or modify/withdraw your previous representation, you can do so on the Planning Portal at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by emailing [email protected]. If you do not have access to the internet, you can send three copies to: Ms Vicky Williams The Planning Inspectorate Room 3/N Kite Wing Temple Quay House 2 The Square Bristol BS1 6PN All representations must be received by 20 December 2017. Any representations submitted after the deadline will not usually be considered and will be returned. The Planning Inspectorate does not acknowledge representations. All representations must quote the appeal reference APP/Q9495/W/17/3186105. Please note that any representations you submit to the Planning Inspectorate will be copied to the appellant and the local planning authority and will be considered by the Inspector when determining the appeal. Lorton Housing update 11th October 2017 We were disappointed by the decision of the Lake District National Park Authority’s Development Control Committee to go against officer recommendation and approve this application. The Members approved the application on the basis of the revised proposal containing 2 affordable homes. However, given that ‘affordable’ housing can be sold at up to 80% of market value we contend that in the Lorton area it is unlikely that these houses will be truly affordable for the majority of people and particularly the ‘young family’ demographic the Authority seek to attract. We consider that this proposal will have detrimental impacts on the landscape character and visual amenity and should not have been approved. This application has raised a number of issues around landscape protection and affordable housing in the Park and we will be engaging with the authority in order to express our concerns. 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
Thirlmere to West Cumbria pipeline Expand 10th October 2017 United untilities have submitted an application for 10 amendments to the approved scheme, this includes route realignment in the Naddle Valley and a tunnel at Castlerigg as well as increases in working areas. We are currently assessing these proposals and will make any necessary representations to the LDNPA. 31st May 2016We have now submitted our response to this major 100km pipeline. We have not objected to the principle of the development but we have raised a number of objections based on specific detailed parts of the application. These issues include: Landscape impacts (with a particular focus on the most sensitive areas of the scheme). Siting of permanent associated infrastructure such as kiosks and valves Siting of laydown area/compounds Water Treatment Works Removal of redundant assets should the scheme be approved Reinstatement Access Compensatory Planting and community funds. Where possible we have suggested appropriate conditions to be attached should permission be granted. These conditions would ensure suitable mitigation against detrimental impacts. If you would like any further information about our submission then please contact our Planning Officer, Laura Fiske at [email protected] 25th February 2016United Utilities have submitted their planning application for this major 100km pipeline and environmental information is to follow shortly. We will be scrutinising the plans and proposed restoration conditions over the coming months. 15th July 2015United Utilities are working up their plans for a 100km new water pipeline to take water from Thirlmere to West Cumbria. We will be consulted shortly on the new route and are looking to ensure that the pipeline will have minimum landscape and access impacts, especially when operational in 2022. More information: http://cumbria.unitedutilities.com/west-cumbria-water-supply-project.aspxContact : [email protected]
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.
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.
Endmoor Housing Expand 11th October 2017 story homes have lodged an application with SLDC for 106 homes (37 affordable) in Endmoor. We are currently assessing this application and will make any relevant representations in due course. If any members are concerned regarding this development please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kendal Strategic Transport Infrastructure Study Expand 20th October 2017 We have recently become aware of the Kendal Strategic Transport Infrastructure Study commissioned by Cumbria County Council in partnership with South Lakeland District Council and Kendal Town Council. It is our current understanding that this is a high level study which will be used as a driver for new infrastructure in the Kendal area. The study has concluded that a Northern Access Route would best meet its objectives. However, it must be noted that at this stage there are no detailed routes being put forward and that ultimately any development would be progressed through the next SLDC Local Plan. Friends of the Lake District will engage in the relevant processes at every opportunity to ensure all landscape and environmental constraints are fully considered. At present Cumbria County Council have provided a summary of the study. We will be requesting further details of the study going forward.