MOD Warcop Common Inquiry Expand 18th October 2018: Inquiry to reconvene on 30th October 2018 The Warcop Inquiry reconvenes on 30th October for four days. This is to discuss the second issue, namely are the Warcop commons still waste of the lord of the manor? The MOD are arguing that they are not. We, together with partners the Open Spaces Society, the Foundation for Common Land, and the Hilton Commoners are arguing they are no different in character to most of our upland commons and remain waste of the lord of the manor. Proof follows: Further evidence of the Friends of the Lake District in relation to the issue of Waste of Lord of the Manor (pdf) 8th October 2018: Online Petition 'Prevent the MOD removing Cumbria fells from the Commons Register'. Despite an undertaking by the Secretary of State, made after a public enquiry in 2001, that the fells would remain on the Commons Register in perpetuity. The MOD are attempting the biggest LAND GRAB of common land since the 1800's. The Fells in question, Murton Fell CL76, Hilton Fell CL27 and Burton and Warcop Fell CL122 form part of the Warcop MOD training area. In 2003 the MOD purchased the grazing rights from the commoners. Part of the agreement reached was that the fells would remain on the Commons Register. Now they have cancelled that part of the agreement. Our argument is that it is not legally possible to cancel part of a multiparty agreement, without the other parties consenting, which they do not. Sign this petition> Warcop Common update 25 Sept 2018In 2001 an inquiry was held into the desire of the Ministry of Defence (M0D) to compulsory purchase all the common rights on Warcop, Hilton and Murton Commons to enable them to have more flexibility in their training and intensify use. The MoD also gave an undertaking that they would never seek to deregister the land as common land. That is exactly what they are now trying to do and something we, and other partners strongly oppose.Cumbria County Council as Commons Registration Authority held a Public Inquiry to consider the applications in early September. They appointed Alan Evans from Kings Chambers, Leeds to conduct the Inquiry. The MoD, led by QC David Elvin had a six strong team. The lead opponents were the Open Spaces Society who appointed QC George Laurence. Other objectors included ourselves, Foundation for Common Land, Federation of Cumbrian Commoners, Hilton Commoners Association and Murton Parish Council. You can read our skeleton argument below: We are strongly opposed to this huge area being lost as common land.This is a very complex and legal issue. The Inspector can only hear arguments that are relevant to the legislation under which CCC have to determine the applications. So although many of us feel the MoD are going back on their previous undertakings and this is causing a lack of trust, etc, he cannot take account of these arguments. He was however very generous in that he was willing to listen to all evidence, even if he could only take account of some of it!The Inquiry focused on two key issues. Firstly the legal ‘power’ issue. Does the legislation give the MoD the power to make this application given the nature of the vesting deed which was to extinguish rights (not purchase the soil). The MoD are saying that because all the commons rights were extinguished by a Vesting deed on 31st March 2003 the land then ceased to be common land and they want it to be removed from the Register. The Open Spaces Society, ourselves and others argue that the Vesting Deed only related to the extinguishment of the rights and nothing else, certainly nothing pertaining to the land and therefore the applications should fail.However, if the MoD win their argument, another issue comes into play and that is whether the land remains waste of the Lord of the Manor. For land to be deregistered it must both have no rights of common and no longer be waste of the manor (unoccupied, open and uncultivated).The Inquiry will reconvene on the 30th October to consider the Waste of the Manor Issue. We are now working hard with partners to gather our evidence together on this issue.The Inspector will make his recommendations to Cumbria County Council, who need to make a decision before 14th December 2018 when the four year "transitional period" for updating the registers ends.The Inquiry has had significant press coverage in both national papers and on the television. Update 23 August 2018Cumbria County Council has announced a two day public inquiry into the applications by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deregister Hilton, Murton and Warcop Commons, near Appleby in Westmorland. These commons represent 3% of the stock of common land in England. 15 years ago the MoD applied to extinguish the common rights over the land to give them more control and flexibility. At that time, they stated categorically that they would not apply to deregister the land as common land. This is now precisely what they have done, with little or no evidence as to why. The applications are strongly opposed by ourselves, the Open Spaces Society (OSS), the Foundation for Common Land, the Federation of Cumbrian Commoners, and the local residents. The inquiry will take place on 12 – 13 September and will be Barrister led. It will only focus on the legal issues surrounding the applications. This is very complex and the OSS has engaged their own Barrister to present their case which we support. There are issues of principle at stake here, namely the fact that the applications are completely at odds with Government policy on common land, that the MoD expressly undertook not to deregister the commons, and also that we believe the applications do not meet the legislative requirements. Read more MOD proposal to deregister Warcop, Hilton, Murton and Burton commons Cumbria Commons face biggest threat since Enclosure movement
Draft Whinlatter Forest Plan consultation Expand Have your say The Forestry Commission is consulting on their plans for Whinlatter Forest. All their forests have woodland plans and when these are revised they are open for public consultation. This is the third plan for Whinlatter and can be viewed at: https://englandconsult.forestry.gov.uk/forest-districts/whinlatter2018 Friends of the Lake District is currently considering the plan. Our response is likely to focus on the following issues: The shape of proposed forest compartments, could they be improved to fit better in the landscape? The species mix – opportunities for more broadleaved cover to enhance the landscape? Impacts of proposals on current areas of open fell Proposals for felling and restocking Future aspirations re further visitor infrastructure and development Whether enough consideration is given to landscape character Recognition of positive impacts already achieved or planned, eg compartment shapes There is no direct reference to the gondola proposals in the plan. However, their future aspirations do refer to future developments at the site, including a new osprey viewpoint above Thornthwaite, and exploring “innovative transport solutions”. We would urge anyone who is concerned about the potential proposals to respond to the plan. Once we have written our response, we will put it on our website here. Forest Enterprise (England) is part of the Forestry Commission and manages the public forest estate in Cumbria. It is in the process of revising the Whinlatter Forest Plan which outlines how it intends to manage the woodland into the future and the plan, which is currently at a draft stage, is available for public consultation. They welcome public comments on the plan. View the plan by following the link below: https://englandconsult.forestry.gov.uk/forest-districts/whinlatter2018 Comments can be made using the online form/questionnaire in the above link. The consultation will be open from Tuesday 11th September for 28 days.
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.
Eden Masterplan Expand Update 17 October 2018 Eden 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/
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine Expand 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.
4x4 Use on Green Lanes Expand 22nd May 20184x4 Use in High TilberthwaiteDue to the incompatibility of this use with National Park Purposes, Friends of the Lake District believes there is a strong case for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in this location. 'Save Langdale Green Lanes' is a campaign challenging the use of 4x4 vehicles and motorbikes in this location. You can view more information about this issue and the campaigns objectives on its website at: www.savethelakedistrict.com (links to external website content)
Consultation on storing high level radioactive waste underground Expand 31st July 2018Today 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 2018We 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)
Energy proposals at Old Hutton Expand Update 17th October 2018 Old Hutton – date for planning committee has now changed to 2nd November. We will be appearing at Planning Committee to present our objections to the proposal for a gas –fired power station there 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.
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.
LDNPA Local Plan Review Expand 12/10/2018 We recently met with the Lake District National Park Authority‘s Local Plan Team and are keen to continue a dialogue with them as the Local Plan preparation process continues. We understand that it is likely that consultation on the next version of the Plan will take place in Spring 2019. The Lake District National Park Authority will soon be formally issuing a revised timetable for the Plan’s preparation. We also recently attended the launch of the Lake District National Park Authority’s ‘Smarter Travel: A Vision for Sustainable Visitor Travel in the Lake District National Park, 2018-2040’. This document will sit alongside the Local Plan. We agree that it is crucial to find ways of moving visitors around the Park more sustainably, but we do have concerns about some of the approaches being considered. Although no formal consultation on the document is planned, we will liaise with the Lake District National Park Authority to help ensure that the ambitions set out are taken forward in a way that supports the conservation and enhancement of the National Park. 28th June 2018 We have responded to the Lake District National Park Authority's Local Plan review You can find our comments here 27th June 2018 The consultation on the Lake District Local Plan Review closes on 29th June (this Friday). Please see below for information about how to comment. 12th June 2018 We have put together a page setting out our concerns about the Lake District National Park Local Plan Review. You can find the information here : https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/news/local-plan-review We have uploaded briefing documents for each of the areas of concern. If you would like to respond to the Local Plan Review, you are welcome to use the information we have published. The Local Plan Review closes on Friday 29th June 31st May 2018 We are currently working our way through the Lake District National Park’s Local Plan Review consultation documents. There is a very large volume of information to read and process. We will share more detailed information about our concerns with you by the end of next week (by 8th June). We have already picked out a number of aspects of the plan that we are concerned about including proposed green field site allocations, transport, car parking and above all, a lack of focus on the actual purposes of the National Park to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Lake District. A 'Local Plan' is a set of policies used to inform decisions on planning applications and appeals, and a local planning authority should review its Local Plan at regular intervals to assess whether some or all of it may need updating. Local Plans are generally reviewed every five years and the Lake District National Park Authority is currently in the process of reviewing the Lake District National Park’s Local Plan and asking for public comment. Its public consultation runs from 8 May until 29 June 2018. More information about the consultation is available on the Lake District National Park’s website: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planning/local-plan-review
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...
DEFRA Consultation on 'Health and Harmony' A consultation not just about how we will farm in future, but also how we relate to the countryside. It is reassuring that the importance of the uplands has been recognised, and the principle that public money should be spent on public goods. Expand The Government has finished its consultation on the future reform of the Common Agriculture Policy entitled: Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit The protection and enhancement of the environment forms a key element of the document with the proposal that farmers and land managers will be paid for producing public benefits. There is recognition within the consultation of the public benefits that our land provides; stunning landscapes, food, drinking water, open access, wildlife and valuable habitats, open spaces for our health and wellbeing, carbon storage, a rich cultural heritage and common land. It reiterates Mr Gove’s viewpoint that the Common Agricultural Policy is flawed and has resulted in a deterioration of the natural environment; the Environment Secretary suggesting the solution is to move to a system of public payments for public goods. The new policy will be underpinned by payment of ‘public money for the provision of public goods’, with these principal public goods being environmental protection and enhancement. A new environmental land management system (NELMS) will be the cornerstone of the new policy, from 2022 and likely to include wildlife diversity and landscape protection. In our written response to the consultation, we recognise and welcome the proposal that farmers and land managers will be paid for producing public benefits such as landscape, access and water. Read / download a shortened version of our response to the consultation here (pdf) Jan Darrall, policy officer, Landscape quality and character should be viewed as an essential public good in itself as it incorporates all other public benefits. Landscape is the setting we all live in, and we depend on landscape for food, water and clean air and many other necessities - it is our life support system. Landscapes everywhere are of value, and should be the heart of any new policy as the number one priority, overarching all public benefits. We have also sets out our priorities for consideration and incorporation into future agricultural support systems. Landscape as the number one priority - Landscape should therefore be at the heart of any new policy as the number one priority, underneath which others sit. Focus on the uplands and common land - The new policy is an opportunity to establish a new language about our upland areas, leaving behind the language of ‘Less Favoured’ and ‘Severely Disadvantaged’ areas and instead re-classing them as areas providing high levels of public goods and services essential for the welfare of everyone. Don’t forget about tranquillity, and health and wellbeing - The NHS is ever increasingly stretched and under resourced so the opportunities to complement it with ‘natural in terms of preventative medicine treatment impacts have a significant monetary value. Support an outcomes approach - We need a return to a more positive and helpful relationship between farmer and adviser, with mutual respect and negotiation. Farmers and land owners should be given more flexibility to determine how their land can contribute to a national framework of objectives and outcomes. Create a national framework with local flexibility and delivery – We would support an outcome based approach, based on local evidence and monitoring, but sitting within a wider spatial unit, such as landscape character types or national character area. This would facilitate local flexibility and the ability for farmers and landowners to respond to local needs. The consultation is borne out of the Government’s intention to simplify the regulatory culture and streamline application processes for environmental schemes. The ability to access payments for activities which protect natural capital assets could provide vital new income streams for farmers and land managers and recognition of the true value of our landscapes.
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.
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.