Revised plans for a nature hub in Walney have been given the go-ahead.
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved the proposals for the Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre after a period of review and further input from the local community.
The hub aims to offer people the chance to experience and enjoy the unique natural environment of Earnse Bay.
The authority is behind the plans and said the latest designs for the 3.37-hectare site placed a greater focus on the landscaping and visitor experience. It will see the creation of a space focused on outdoor activities, free-to-access trails and an opportunity to camp overnight.
Council leader Jonathan Brook previously said: “This is a tremendously exciting project. I am delighted to see the revised proposals reflecting the views and feedback of the community.
“This will be a special place for people to experience and enjoy Earnse Bay. It will also create a hub and base for exploration of the wider Walney area and its unique natural environment.”
The Earnse Hub project is funded by £2.64 million from the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal which consists of a number of schemes funded by the Government to help the town and its communities.
The site currently consists of grassland and scrub, with a redundant changing room building.
Under the proposals the area will be transformed to host a community café building with supporting functions such as a local shop, flexible spaces and toilet facilities for the park, as well as a camping support building serving the family and group camping area.
However, the plans have received objections from some West Shore residents who raise concerns about noise from the proposed camping facilities.
One objector stated: “There are other pockets of derelict land on the Island which would be more suitable for this development away from vulnerable, retired people who bought their properties to live the rest of their lives in a peaceful setting, and not to be surrounded by a scheme that could have devastating consequences for them.”
Planning documents submitted with the application say: “It was explained that the proposed camping had been relocated further from the West Shore Park residents following comments at earlier public consultation meetings.”
The council added margins between West Shore Park residential properties and the park areas have been set aside as wildflower meadows or scrub planting to act as a buffer between park activities and quiet residential areas.
Plans also include an environmental education centre which is being delivered by Natural England.
The centre will provide workshops, classrooms, and meeting rooms whilst serving as a volunteer and operational hub for the Natural England team based at North Walney National Nature Reserve.
Overall planting has been chosen to enhance biodiversity on the site, by providing new hedgerow habitats, and more mixed scrub and grasslands well suited to attract and support house sparrow, common lizard and other species.
