Plans for a controversial carpark extension, new toilet block and visitor centre could be constructed at a Pooley Bridge car park if a planning committee approve the planning application next week as recommended by planning officers.
Members of the Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee are due to consider the matter at a meeting at Murley Moss, near Kendal, on Wednesday (September 4).
The application is for a site on land next to Eusemere Car Park in the village and it is for the extension of the existing car park and the erection of a public toilet block and information centre.
It is recommended that the matter should be delegated to the authority’s head of development management for approval subject to a satisfactory legal agreement.
According to the report at the time of publication the authority had received objection letters from 35 people, a 222-signature petition of objection and 18 letters of support for the proposal.
Objections included an assertion that there is no need for additional car parking and existing facilities, including that behind the Sun Inn and at Waterfoot, are sufficient unless on exceptionally busy days – in addition car parking problems are often due to people not wanting to pay to park.
Other objections included:
However, the supporters raised a number of points including: they struggled to find a parking space; the proposal would be conveniently located near the village centre and will enable increased tourist spending it would bring safety benefits and the proposed toilet building and EV charging points are much needed.
The report states: “Eusemere car park is an established public car park located close to the bridge in Pooley Bridge. It is owned and operated by the Lake District National Park Authority.
“This application relates to land to the south of the car park that is owned by the applicant, and lies beyond, but accessed through land owned by the authority.
“The application proposes an extension of public parking with associated facilities, toilets, information centre and electric vehicle charging.
“Landscaping in the form of planted bunds and other screening within and around the car parking area is proposed. The submitted proposals show space for 90 cars including 12 EV charging bays and six disabled spaces.”
by Ian Duncan (Local Democracy Reporting Service.)