Ambitious plans to transform infrastructure around Windermere that could include new roundabouts and cycling provision has taken another step forward.
The brains behind the Gateway project are aiming to improve traffic flow around the town and improve its sustainable transport provision.
Making space for 160 new homes as well as offices and businesses at Orrest Head Farm is also being targeted.
A supplementary planning document related to the transport side of the project was given unanimous approval at a meeting of the Lake District National Park Authority.
The Gateway project was described at the meeting as a holistic approach that was aiming to secure a range of public benefits.
However, Tiffany Hunt, LDNPA deputy chair, acknowledged the “devil’s going to be in the detail”.
The transport SPD says further information on the access proposals is to be provided at the planning application stage – although it does still outline the general changes planned for Windermere.
The document envisions roundabouts being constructed at the junction of the A591 and High Street and at the junction of the A591 and Thwaites Lane.
Traffic problems would be alleviated by the creation of a new road across the railway line from which vehicles could access Booths.
Additional electric vehicle charging points would be provided as well as ‘a high-quality walking and cycling network with supporting facilities to improve pedestrian and cycling mobility’.
Adrian Legge, the mayor of Windermere, said the project could be of great benefit to the town but, like Ms Hunt had told the meeting, stressed the devil would be in the detail and that there was still ‘a lot of flesh to be added’.
He said: “There are times, at the height of the season, when the centre of Windermere is full of cars,” he said. “It’s not a pedestrian-friendly environment and, hopefully, the improvements will make it more pedestrian-friendly.
“The other aspect also in the plan is the addition of 160 houses which will all be restricted to local occupancy, because there’s a shortage of housing to locals.”
