Plans for a new £1.8 million base for a Cumbrian mountain rescue team have been given the go-ahead.
Penrith Mountain Rescue Team want to create their new home off Cowper Road on Eden Business Park, which will also house Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit.
The permission granted by Westmorland & Furness Council will now trigger a major campaign to raise the cash to pay for the base.
Once completed, the new operating base and rescue hub will create a bespoke training, storage and garage facility.
Peter King team leader of Penrith Mountain Rescue Team: “We have comprehensively outgrown our current base, surrounded by residential properties on Tynefield Drive, in Penrith.
“The team purchased a suitable plot of land on Eden Business Park two years ago and I am delighted that the first stage in the long project of building on that land is now complete.
“Thanks to Rod Hughes, from 2030 Architects Ltd, for a design that meets the operational needs of the two teams and that has also fulfilled the requirements of those who take the decisions on local planning.”
Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit, which operates Cumbria-wide – does not currently have an operating base, instead storing equipment and vehicles at members’ houses, outbuildings and premises.
The new hub will provide two garage bays to protect the team’s Unimog vehicles from the weather and should secure the team’s operations in years to come.
Chris Jones, COMRU’s team leader, said: “The prospect of a centralised location from which to train and operate will make a big difference to the team and we’ll be working with friends and colleagues in the Penrith team on the fundraising that’s needed to make it happen.”
The project to make the new rescue base a reality will be a challenging one, the team said.
But volunteer, Matt Pearson, is bringing his day job expertise as a project manager to the role.
He said: “We’re now proceeding with developing a detailed design, refining the needs of both teams. We want to be in a position to start the build as soon as possible and realise that we may need to consider a phased approach to achieve the final aim.
“For now, the most critical work is significantly enhancing both teams’ fundraising to enable the project to proceed. This is going to require even more of our volunteers’ hours and supporters’ time on top of all the efforts that keep us operational.”
