Divisive plans for a 150-space car park to cut traffic snarl-ups and free-for-all parking around Catbells are sensationally back on the agenda – a year ago to the week that they were killed off.
The contentious proposals for Ullock Moss and Cupboard Field, on the western side of Derwentwater, near Portinscale, were defeated on December 1, 2021 by a Lake District National Park Authority planning committee in a tense 5-2 vote.
That saw members overrule planning officers which had recommended the panel give the ambitious scheme the go-ahead.
The plans – which drew 360 objections and 343 letters of support – have now risen from the ashes again after 12 months following parking and traffic problems this summer.
A newly-tabled bid has been lodged by the Lingholm Private Trust, based at Water End House, Portinscale, with planners at the LDNPA.
Agents for the applicants have told the LDNPA that “updated transport evidence” will show that “all other regulatory measures” to combat unacceptable highway safety issues in the area “have been exhausted”.
Therefore the plan includes:
- An amenities building including toilet facilities at Ullock Moss;
- Provision of a shuttle bus between Ullock Moss and Cupboard Field;
- Shuttle bus and bike hire office at Ullock Moss;
- Drop-off and pick-up points;
- Landscaping proposals at both sites;
- Off-site works proposed.
Planning agent Steven Abbott Associates, acting for the applicants, described the latest proposals as a “resubmission” of the original, while the LDNPA has called the plan “similar”.
Comments on the new scheme close on January 20, although no decision is expected any earlier than March 1.
Last time, major opponents the Friends of the Lake District believed that creating a massive new car park in the under-pressure area would set a “precedent” and open the door to huge car park proposals coming in for other traffic-soaked Lakeland valleys.
The agents have tabled an 18-page planning statement in support of the scheme which also challenges the reasons for refusal last December.
It argues that the “benefits” of solving the problems outweigh any harm the facilities might be perceived to cause.
It also says that the facilities would have a “positive” impact on landscape character by reducing traffic travelling beyond Ullock Moss and removing roadside parking, with a call that “planning permission be granted without delay”
Borrowdale Parish Council, a consultee, has already given its support for the latest proposal. However, councillors accepted it “would not be a solution to all the issues”.
A spokesman for the Derwent Safe and Sustainable Traffic Action Group – a group of residents forged by the last planning battle – said: “The only thing that has changed since the original application was refused is that the parking controls introduced by the council last summer have improved the traffic flow in the village.
“I hope the planning authority can quickly dismiss this unwelcome and unnecessary new application and can instead concentrate on its remit to protect the unique natural environment of the Lakes, reduce car traffic and work towards sustainable transport solutions.”
Lorayne Wall, planning officer for the Friends of the Lake District, said it intended a fuller look at the plans.
“The application appears little changed since last time and we therefore expect to resubmit our previous comments with a cover note to say our fundamental concerns set out therein have not changed,” she said.
