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/
St Cuthbert's "garden village" Carlisle Expand 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.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine Expand 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.
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.
Energy proposals at Old Hutton Expand 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 SLDC and the Planning Inspectorate as to whether or not the two applications should be determined by the Council or under the NSIP process 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 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.
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.
Appropriate Quiet Enjoyment of the Countryside Expand 12th April 2018 Appropriate quiet enjoyment of the countryside is fundamental to people’s physical and spiritual well-being and should be available and accessible to everybody. Large areas of Cumbria’s uplands possess their special quality because of the perception of wildness, the absence of man-made structures, their open nature and the feeling of tranquillity. In addition to their cultural and historic associations we value the freedom they offer for recreation and quiet enjoyment. We believe that recreation based on quiet enjoyment is the preferred way to enjoy these special qualities and landscape character and that this should be available and accessible to all. We believe in developing opportunities for local people and visitors to experience the special qualities of the landscapes of Cumbria for health and wellbeing through quiet enjoyment in ways that minimise the impact on the landscape. We support types and levels of recreation that do not compromise the special qualities of Cumbria’s landscapes, for example walking, cycling, canoeing, horse riding, climbing and sailing. We will work with partners to minimise the impact of large-scale recreational events so that they are appropriate in scale, timing and location, by raising awareness of the special qualities of the landscape and encouraging sustainable travel. We support the principle of areas where tranquillity is maintained and valued as a key part of quiet enjoyment. We will encourage opportunities for everyone to be able to enjoy Open Access land, Coastal Access and the Public Rights of Way network for quiet recreation. We believe in a sustainable tourism industry that places the environment of the Lake District and Cumbria first and enables local people and visitors to enjoy the special qualities of the county. We will work to highlight the importance of tranquillity as a special quality to the tourism industry and work with partners to celebrate it.