Thirlmere Activity Hub Expand 20th October We are aware that Tree Top Treks have 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 be 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 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.
Car Park at Derwentwater Expand 11th October 2017 We were pleased to hear that the Lake District National Park Authority shared our concerns regarding this proposals and refused the application earlier this month. However, as acknowledged in our objections there is a real and growing problem with car parking in this location and throughout the Park and we must now all work together to push for sustainable transport solutions and enable people to move through th Lake District without relying on private vehicle use. 23rd April 2017 Proposals for a permanent car park for up to 65 vehicles near Catbells have been lodged with the Lake District National Park Authority. Whilst it is acknowledged that there are significant issues with illegal parking in the area we are concerned that this proposal would exacerbate the situation. We consider that it would be more appropriate for the LDNPA to continue to work with all partners and encourage sustainable transport methods to access this popular fell. The proximity to Keswick and the availability of the launch, bus service, and opportunities for walking and cycling to the area mean that the need for private car use is not essential. By formalising car parking in this area would draw a greater number of private vehicles in to this area and would have a negative impact upon the landscape character and tranquillity of the area. Our comments to the LDNPA in full can be viewed here. Change of use of agricultural land to create a permanent car park, The Cupboard Field, Newlands, Portinscale, Keswick, CA12 5UE(pdf document - click to view / download)
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]
Predator Experience Expand 11th October 2017 Last year we were involved in a case at Ayside for a live work unit at Ayside. The proposal was put forward by the company ‘predator experience’ to house the owners alongside the various animals, including wolf hybrids, the company showcase on site. The initial proposal would have had detrimental landscape impacts and we objected, and the Authority refused the application. The applicants have now submitted a new application and we are assessing this currently.
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.