Village car park plans refused despite 'need'

"Controversial" plans to build a car park, information centre and public toilet block in a village have been refused.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) turned down proposals for the 90-space site next to Eusemere Car Park in Pooley Bridge, near Penrith.

The authority's development committee was told the facility would help resolve parking issues in the area.

The application was refused over concerns about the landscape and visual impact, although the need for more parking in the village was acknowledged.

LDNPA member Vicky Hughes said she was "not convinced" it was the right place for the development and raised concerns about the effect of the winter opening hours (07.30 to 19:00) on the "tranquillity" of the area.

However, committee member Tiffany Hunt said "on balance" she supported the proposals, although it had been a "controversial application".

"I'm certainly struck by the evidence of need, and I think that's an important point," she said.

"From the feedback from people in and around Pooley Bridge and the parish council, there is certainly a need for more car parking, the question we're faced with - is this in the right place?"

The applicant's agent, Mr D Ransley, told committee members there were "extensive public benefits" and the development would help resolve the "parking issues" in the village.

A design and access statement said the applicant, Mr J Heath, had been approached "on numerous occasions" by local residents and business owners about creating additional parking spaces.

"The current lack of long-stay and short-stay parking provision increases traffic movement through the village as visitors wait for a parking space to become available," it added.

"Parking and waiting on pavements, double yellow lines and on verges is a regular occurrence and causes issues to traffic flows within the village."

However, the proposals had also drawn 35 objection letters, a 222-signature petition opposing the plans and 18 letters of support, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A decision on the proposed car park was postponed in June and then again in September.

The second delay was for further survey work over badgers on the site.

After the report was submitted, Lancashire Badger Group said the proposed mitigation was "excellent" and added they had "no problem" with the application being approved.

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