PLANS to extend an existing building, near Longtown, to store machinery have been approved by planners at Cumberland Council.

The application was for Oakbank Lakes and planning permission was granted on Monday (July 1) subject to conditions including that the development should begin within three years.

In his report council planning officer Stephen Daniel said: "The site contains four fishing lakes, a campsite, some holiday lodges, camping areas and an existing general storage building, which incorporates a site office.

"The proposal is seeking to extend the general storage building, with the extension being used for the storage of machinery."

According to the report the machinery would include: a tractor, forklift, trailers and a digger, which is used on site for maintenance and agriculture. In the report Mr Daniel said: "In light of the above, the proposal would be acceptable in principle."

Referring to the scale and design Mr Danial said: "This proposal is seeking planning permission to add an extension to the existing building.

"The existing building is constructed of a range of materials including render, blockwork and metal sheeting of various colours, under a metal sheet roof. The extension would be added to the western and southern (front) elevations of the existing building.

"The extension attached to the western end of the existing building would have an eaves height and ridge height to match the existing building, with the extension to the south having a monopitch roof.

"The extensions would be constructed of Yorkshire boarding under a corrugated metal roof. The scale of the extension would be acceptable and the proposed materials would be appropriate for the intended use. In light of the above, the scale and design of the proposed extension would be acceptable."

Members of Kirkandrews on Esk Parish Council raised concerns at the potential of fuel and oil entering water courses and hoped the planning authority would address any possibility of this happening.

In his report Mr Daniel said: "The application site includes four fishing lakes and it would be in the applicant's interests to ensure that the lakes and surrounding watercourses are protected from oil and fuel spillages.

"The extension would allow machinery to be stored within a building and this should reduce the risk of oil and fuel spillages."

He concludes: "In overall terms, the proposals would be acceptable in principle. The scale and design of the proposed extension would be acceptable and the proposals would not have an adverse impact on the character of the area.

"In all aspects, the proposals are compliant with the objectives of the relevant adopted local plan policies. The application has been considered and determined under the council's delegated powers procedure."