A PREVIOUSLY refused controversial planning application for a car park in the Lake District, near Catbells, is back in discussion. 

The previous proposal for a 150 space car park at Ullock Moss, complete with toilet block and a shuttle bus turning facility at Cupboard Field, was rejected by the Lake District National Park Authority on December 1, 2021. 

A new planning application has since been put forward by the Lingholm Private Trust, Portinscale, with planners at the Lake District National Park Authority. 

The reason for the original refusal stated that the landscape and visual effects of the application 'harm the extraordinary harmony and beauty of the Lake District landscape'. 

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A volunteer ranger with the Keswick Red Squirrel Group, Paul Dixon, registered his support for the application on the planning portal.

In his statement, he said: "I have for a few years now had serious concerns that the increase in recreational opportunities and inappropriate parking will at some time prevent access of emergency vehicles to the area which may result in a loss of life.

"This proposal would go someway to alleviating this problem by provision of parking on the edge of Portinscale".

Comments can made on the application until January 20 and will be decided no earlier than a meeting on March 1 by the Lake District National Park's Development Control Committee.

Friends of the Lake District said that they will likely issue a response over the coming weeks, however, as much hasn't changed to application objections may be similar to that previously written. 

In October 2021, a statement from the Friends group read: "This development would set a precedent that would have a major bearing on the wider future of the Lake District, what it will look like and what it will become – and other National Parks - and we urge the Lake District National Park Authority’s (LDNPA) Development Control Committee to reject this proposal.

"Whilst we very much recognise the need to address ongoing and growing issues relating to parking and vehicle numbers in the Portinscale and Catbells area, this proposal is not an appropriate solution.

"We agree with Campaign for National Parks and the National Trust that the plan raises fundamental policy conflicts in regard to development in the open countryside and the development of new car parks.

"Local planning policy calls for a ‘coordinated and strategic approach’ to decision making about transport.

"This proposal directly conflicts with this sentiment and is not part of an integrated plan that will enable sustainable travel." 

The proposals outlined in the application are as follows:

  • 150 space car park at Ullock Moss
  • Amenities building including toilet facilities at Ullock Moss
  • Provision of a shuttle bus service between Ullock Moss and Cupboard Field
  • Shuttle bus / bike hire office at Ullock Moss
  • Drop off/pick up and turning point for shuttle bus at Cupboard Field
  • Landscaping proposals at both sites

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