A LAKE District car park, which was set up without planning permission, is to be removed. 

The National Park Authority served an enforcement notice against the car park, located at Low Grassings near Coniston, back in March, 2022.

The landowner lodged an appeal against the enforcement notice with the Secretary of State arguing that a breach of planning control had not occurred.

However, an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State has now dismissed the landowner’s appeal, agreeing with the National Park Authority that the car park is unlawful and must be removed.

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The car park – which included unauthorised excavations, stone infill, pay and display machines and associated signage – was considered an unacceptable man-made addition that harmed the character and appearance of the National Park and World Heritage Site.

The landowner is now required within the next three months to stop using the land as a car park, and remove the hard surfaces and ticket machines that have been installed. 

Geoff Davies, chair of the Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee said: “We are pleased that the Inspector has agreed with us that this unauthorised car park should be removed.

"This is an unlawful and unacceptable development, formed without planning permission in the open countryside of the National Park.

"Our enforcement team work hard to ensure planning rules are followed and the special qualities of spectacular Lake District landscape are safeguarded from harmful unauthorised developments.

"We look forward to seeing the land restored," he said.