Controversial plans for a new apartment block and six new homes in Cockermouth – which have been given the go-ahead by planners – have been criticised by an award-winning Lake District filmmaker.
Terry Abraham, who recently released Cumbrian Red – a documentary covering the plight of red squirrels, said the plans by Dobies Cumbria to build the four-storey block on the site of the former fire station had left him saddened and sickened.
The site is close to Harris Park and runs alongside the Greenway cyclepath.
Terry said: “A recent State of Nature report by Natural England revealed that not only is the country one of the most nature depleted countries in the world but such matters are still in serious decline.
“If anything arose from the recent COVID pandemic, it was how people of all ages and backgrounds now have a greater appreciation for our wildlife and the environment.
“Be it enjoying green spaces or admiring our fellow wild residents, there’s been a marked societal shift towards respecting and protecting what we have and consequently a great desire to enhance and improve the state of nature within our green isles.
“So you can imagine my dismay to recently discover that despite vociferous local opposition a proposed new development within the town of Cockermouth had been approved adjacent to a ‘green space’ many people like to frequent from the hustle and bustle of town life but sadly which includes the felling of numerous mature native trees and habitats; many of which provide shelter, food and homes for many rare species.
“This is all in the name of progress of course – and I say that with a sarcastic wink in my eye. A development of properties that will contribute in no way for the benefit of the many who live in the area seeking somewhere affordable to live or contending with current traffic issues.
“This proposed development lies within a nature corridor leading from out and into the town and any suggested natural placation measures will by and large take over a century to come to fruition whilst causing immediate great harm to what is seen by many as a very precious area.
“In recent years, many locals have worked together to bring back one very special endangered species to Cockermouth.
“A beautiful and iconic creature that is often listed as a national favourite and who is admired greatly by His Majesty King Charles. You’ll soon see this particular beloved species on new two pence coins.
“I’m of course talking about our native red squirrels.
“Cumbria is one of the last major strongholds for red squirrels living in the wild and brings so much joy to residents and visitors. Yet, our native reds need nature corridors to move around safely whilst foraging for food.
“Habitats are essential for their survival. They can cover an area of over 30 full sized football pitches when going about their business to live.
“Yet despite this legally protected species being under constant threat, they’ve returned to Cockermouth and are regularly seen in the trees where this proposed development is set to be built.
“It strikes me that despite local opposition or some who choose to ignore facts let alone think of a bigger picture, money matters more than communities or nature.
“Is it therefore any surprise that England has such a poor standing for nature and wildlife?
“Wouldn’t it be nicer to attract tourists to the town to enjoy such wonderful green places and see red squirrels? Why can’t we protect what we have and encourage more sustainable developments and those that genuinely offer affordable homes?”
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