A major project designed to revitalise Windermere has been shelved.
A statement issued by Windermere Gateway partners issued today, Tuesday January 20, said that the scheme could not meet timetables set out by Homes England.
The Windermere Gateway project was a partnership between the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, Westmorland and Furness Council and housing developer Urban Splash, with a long-term vision to unlock opportunities for a mix of new homes, jobs, sustainable transport connections and an improved welcome for residents and visitors.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet had previously agreed to finalise an agreement with Homes England to receive Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Funding of £9.95 million for Windermere Gateway, to deliver the associated highways works related to the proposed housing development at Orrest Head Farm.
The Windermere Gateway ambition was to integrate improved rail infrastructure – Lakes Line passing loop and station upgrades – highways, housing, employment, and public realm.
The housing element of the Windermere Gateway would have seen around 242 new homes delivered on the Orrest Head site, of which it is currently proposed that a minimum of 133 will be affordable (subject to planning consent and receipt of funding).
The site is allocated in the Lake District National Park’s Local Plan for housing and employment. The land is owned by the National Trust, which selected Urban Splash as its development partner for the site through a competitive procurement process.
The partners said Windermere Gateway represented the most significant housing allocation inside the national park and will represent the greatest opportunity for affordable homes delivered at this scale.
Highways improvements, which have received planning permission and will be delivered by Westmorland and Furness Council subject to the housing development receiving planning permission, will open up the land for housing.
It includes access to the site, visibility and safety measures, surface material changes to better highlight the presence of the junction and encourage drivers to reduce speed and give pedestrian and cyclist priority.
As part of the Windermere Gateway, the National Trust planned to move from its current Grasmere office to a new, purpose-built office at the Orrest Head Farm site.
Urban Splash would work with a registered social housing provider to bring forward the affordable homes, while details of housing numbers, mix, type and tenure are all still subject to further development.
However, the partners said today: “Partners involved in the Windermere Gateway project have undertaken extensive joint efforts to progress the proposed housing site at Orrest Head Farm.
“Despite the significant collaboration, commitment and planning work to date, a number of challenges have recently arisen that affect the deliverability of this project.
“Given the emerging funding and delivery constraints, the housing scheme, including the anticipated outline planning application, cannot proceed to timetables set by Homes England in respect of the grant funding to enable the necessary highways infrastructure improvements.
“As a result, the grant agreement for the enabling highways infrastructure required to support the housing development will not be taken forward at this time.
“This decision has not been taken lightly.
“The considerable work and dedication of all partners and stakeholders involved is recognised and appreciated, and we remain fully committed to delivering the ambitions of the Windermere Gateway.
“We will continue to explore opportunities to unlock the much-needed affordable housing, transport improvements and economic opportunities.
“As soon as we know more we will communicate developments to stakeholders and the community.”
