When new developments are proposed often there is a period for public consultation, to allow the public to comment on planning applications. For information on current consultations and how you can make your views heard see below.

What's new?

Honister Zip Wire proposal threatens Fleetwith Pike
Friday, 30 July 2010
A proposal for a 1200 metre zip wire attraction in a wild and remote Lake District valley will go to the Lake District National Park Authority's planning committee next month. If you share our concerns about this application please write to the planning officer.
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Major Development Threatens Gateway To Lake District National Park
6 Jan 2010
A planning application for a major business park in the open countryside north of Kendal at Ratherheath has been submitted to planners.
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Have your say in Lake District National Park planning consultation
12 May 2009
If you have an interest in the future of the Lake District you have the chance to comment on and develop planning policies in an online consultation now.
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Low Borrowdale tourism development turned down
23 April 2009
A planning application for major tourism development in the Borrowdale valley has been turned down today.
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Application for Major Tourism Development threatens Low Borrowdale
Friends of the Lake District is objecting to a planning application submitted by a company called Natural Retreats for the development of 'eco-lodges', holiday cottages and parking in the Borrowdale valley to the north of Kendal - one of the last tranquil valleys in the eastern lakes with currently no road access. If you share our concerns you can write directly to the case officer.

Low Borrowdale

We are objecting to a planning application submitted by a company called Natural Retreats for the development of 'eco-lodges', holiday cottages and parking in the Borrowdale valley to the north of Kendal - perhaps the last tranquil valley in the eastern lakes with currently no road access.

A planning application was submitted by Natural Retreats in June for the development of 29 'eco-lodges', seven holiday cottages and associated parking at Low Borrowdale Farm in the Borrowdale valley to the north of Kendal. The landscape of the Borrowdale valley is recognised as being of such a particularly high quality that it is under consideration for inclusion in the Lake District National Park.

The valley is characterised by a lack of development and high level of tranquillity. Access to the valley is currently limited to walkers and cyclists along a bridleway and access for farm vehicles. In Friends of the Lake District's view, the proposed development would result in fundamental harm to this character. We have raised strong objections for this reason. We have sought to highlight the issue with decision making bodies and the general public. Major bodies including Natural England, South Lakeland District Council, the Open Spaces Society and the Ramblers Association have also objected. A local opposition group - Save Our Borrowdale - has formed in response to the proposals.

During late November, the applicants submitted revised plans reducing the number of chalets from 29 to 10. It is still our view however, that the development would cause irreparable damage to the character of the valley.

It is likely that the application will be considered by Eden District Council's Planning Committee early in the new year. We urge all those who share our concerns to write directly to the case officer, quoting planning application number 08/0333:

David Cox
Planning Services
Eden District Council
Mansion House
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7YG

Full details of the plans are available on Eden DC's website:
For further information please contact Richard Pearse, Friends of the Lake District’s Planning Officer: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 01539 720788

For further details on Save Our Borrowdale contact Tanya Hoare: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 01539 824666

A full copy of our response can be downloaded here: First response, Second Response
For more detail on the issues at Low Borrowdale see the article on page 16 of the current edition of our magazine ‘Conserving Lakeland’, download it here.