Two controversial planning applications as part of the £10 million Workington Gateway scheme have been given the go-ahead.
The former Henry Curwen pub has been demolished as part of the project and Cumberland Council applied for permission to widen Hall Brow, between Workington police station and Hall Park.
It said it was a narrow and congested road, causing issues for residents, and could be a tight squeeze for buses and HGVs.
The application, which was approved by the authority’s planning committee today, proposes widening the road, which means a long stretch of wall, first built in the 18th century, would be moved.
The wall will be moved further into Hall Park and completely rebuilt in its traditional style.
Heritage England, in its response to the plans, said it had concerns over the plans and the significance of the wall had been underestimated and it was an integral part of the Grade II-listed hall and park. It told councillors: “While this would not be classed as substantial, there is no doubt that it would cause a high level of harm.
“Whilst we accept that recording the wall and reconstructing the wall using recovered materials would go some way to mitigating the harm caused by the development, we strongly recommend that no attempt should be made to replicate the construction of the existing wall.”
Parking for residents would also be formalised and a new pedestrian crossing created.
It said in total, the application was seeking:
- The widening of the existing A596 Hall Brow carriageway to the east into Hall Park;
- Demolishing and re-building a section of the boundary wall at Workington Hall Park, some of which is retaining the A596 carriageway;
- Providing seven additional parking spaces along the western edge of carriageway;
- Converting existing Black Path footway to shared route connecting to new toucan crossing across the A596 Hall Brow;
- A new shared-use gated entrance to Workington Hall Park;
- New signposts, kerbs and road markings;
- The removal of five trees in Workington Hall Park;
- Delivery of highways improvements and public realm at Hall Brow and
- Fencing along a section of the Mill Stream at the north eastern extent of the application site for approximately 120 metres
Hall Park is Grade II-listed so a planning application is required to make the changes.
Although there has been criticism of the scheme in the wider community, only four letters of objection were sent to the authority and Workington Town Council also objected.
The second application involves the upgrade of pedestrian and cycle routes through Hall Park. One person objected to the scheme, saying they did not want to see more concrete in the park.
Their surfaces will be changed from rough gravel to a hard surface. The main entrances to the parkland will be improved – one near the skate park on Stainburn Road, and the other at Ladies Walk, off Bridge Street.
he demolition of the Henry Curwen will see the road widened where the A66 and A596 meet at Ramsay Brow, next to the magistrates court.
This will reduce freight times and the impact on communities from HGV traffic, the council said.
The junction is being reconfigured to enable larger vehicles to navigate the route.
