Opposition to 'A590 - Gateway' project mounts
Cumbria County Council have become the latest opponents of a development proposed in the open countryside south of Kendal. In April, a planning application was submitted to South Lakeland District Council for the 'South Lakeland Gateway Project', close to junction 36 of the M6. The proposal, covers an area of over 32 hectares, and includes a livestock auction market, exhibition space, commercial/ industrial units, retail development, tourist information facilities, a 'food park' and a new showground centre.
However, there are potentially significant environmental impacts to the proposals which also conflicts with adopted planning policy. This has raised widespread public concern. Cumbria County Council joins others major organisations, such as the National Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, United Utilities, and ourselves, who have objected to the application. We have also worked closely with a local pressure group - South Lakelanders Opposed to the Gateway (SLOG) has formed in response to the proposals.
We have significant concerns over the potential landscape impact of the development, and its sustainability implications. The site is in open countryside and is inaccessible by public transport. It may also draw trade away from existing local centres and farm diversification schemes. The economic benefits are also far from clear and we feel that any employment-related development is best located either within, or much closer to settlements, in accord with government, and indeed South Lakeland District Council planning policy.
It seems unlikely that the application will be considered before next year. Should the district council be minded to give it approval, since the proposals contravenes the South Lakeland Local Plan, the outcome may need to be determined at public inquiry.
For further details visit South Lakeland District Council's website or contact Richard Pearse at the office.
