Plans are under consideration by Westmorland and Furness Council for a new 24-hour electric vehicle charging station alongside the A66 at Redhills.
The application, submitted by InstaVolt, proposes a major charging hub with capacity for 20 electric vehicles, alongside signage and a public welfare building containing vending machines and toilet facilities.
InstaVolt claims to be the “UK’s largest, fastest growing and most reliable rapid charge point operator, with over 2000 public rapid chargers across the UK”.
The company said it is “committed to the expansion of the UK’s public charging infrastructure to support the Government’s ambitions to ban the sale of new fossil fuel cars from 2030. To achieve this goal, substantial investment is required by the private sector into new, high quality charging infrastructure for EV drivers to charge in public. InstaVolt expects to invest over £350m up to 2030 to expand its network to 10,000 charge points in the UK alone.”
Historically, the company’s network has focused on retrofitting small numbers of chargers at existing sites such as drive-to food and coffee outlets.
However, InstaVolt said: “As demand for public charging relentlessly grows, networks such as InstaVolt must commit to building larger hubs that provide greater capacity, particularly along the strategic road network.”
The proposed site has been chosen due to its proximity to the strategic road network, near both the A66 and the M6, and its connection point to the electricity grid — recognised in low-carbon infrastructure development as a critical planning and viability consideration.
Plans would see land close to five residential properties cleared to create a car park with 20 charge stations, a welfare hub and lighting. A totem sign is also proposed at the bottom corner of the site opposite the residential properties.
Access to the new charging station would be via a new junction onto Redhills Lane, opposite the existing junction into the Penrith Travelodge and the Burger King and Greggs car park.
The application falls within Dacre Parish, and Dacre Parish Council has objected.
The Parish Council said: “In the view of the Parish Council the proposal conflicts with multiple policies of the adopted Eden Local Plan 2014–2032 (part of Westmorland & Furness Council’s consolidated Local Plan framework) and with the National Planning Policy Framework. Specific and unresolved harm arises in relation to: highway safety and access; residential amenity (noise, lighting, litter/management); drainage and foul discharge; landscape/green infrastructure; and air quality.”
It added: “Eamont Terrace is immediately affected. The plans indicate 24-hour use for up to around 20 vehicles with an amenity unit. Many users are likely to arrive in the evening/night, creating noise, activity spill-over, and litter as occupants stretch their legs while waiting to charge. Only two toilets are shown; without a clear management plan this risks off-site impacts, including use of adjacent woodland for informal toileting. Overall, the scheme would harm the amenity of existing residents and fails to demonstrate acceptable amenity for future users.”
Objections have also been lodged by local residents.
One homeowner said: “The electric charging application is beside five cul-de-sac residential homes.
“If planning permission is given it will disrupt peace and quiet of the residents with vehicles with headlights, vehicle car doors opening and closing and drivers and passengers with vehicles arriving and departing 24 hours a day and vehicle drivers and passengers conversing.
“Home owners wondering who will be turning up at all hours sitting and waiting whilst their vehicle is charging. I have noted that electric vehicles do self combust and insurance premiums could be higher with the risk of nearby installation.
“Also the trees enhance visual outlook and stop noise pollution from the A66, and would impact residents enjoyment of their homes if the trees are replaced by electric charging points.”
Objectors have also pointed out that nearby Rheged has recently installed a new EV charging hub with 16 ultra-rapid Tesla chargers, compatible with all electric vehicle models and available 24/7, along with approved plans for a new multi-vehicle charge station in part of the Morrisons car park.
Westmorland and Furness Council is expected to make a decision on the plans in the coming weeks.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
