Latest news with #Westmorland&FurnessCouncil
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
New plans for controversial Appleby statue submitted
REVISED plans for a controversial artwork in Appleby have been submitted to Westmorland & Furness Council. The application to install the Gypsy Stallion sculpture is now proposing to site it on land off Roman Road after the original application was rejected in April. According to the decision notice issued by the council the proposed 2.1-metre-tall sculpture, originally planned on the River Eden, would have 'eroded the neutral and harmonious relationship between the built and natural environment in this part of the town'. The council said the siting of the Gypsy stallion sculpture would visually compete with surrounding listed buildings including the Grade I listed Church of St Lawrence and the Grade II listed St Lawrence's Bridge. After the plans were refused the decision notice from the council stated: 'While the cultural intention of the proposal is fully acknowledged and respected, no compelling justification has been provided for locating the sculpture in this specific, highly sensitive position. 'It is considered that the commemorative aim could reasonably be delivered in an alternative location without resulting in such harm, and the public benefit is not sufficient to outweigh the identified heritage impact. 'Furthermore, the proposal would undermine the inclusive and neutral amenity value of a well-used public space, with a significant number of local representations raising concerns about the impact of the sculpture's symbolic presence on community cohesion, emotional comfort and the shared use of the site.' According to the artist's statement submitted with the application, outside the fair week, 'very little tangible evidence' exists of the 'central importance' of the fair to the town and its Gypsy and Traveller visitors. It adds the Gypsy and Traveller community would like to donate a public sculpture to the town of Appleby to make this 'crucial' part of the town's heritage more visible. The statement reads: 'It celebrates our history, culture and horses, and is intended as a thank you to the town for hosting an event that is like a spiritual pilgrimage for us.' Ward councillor Andy Connell (Appleby and Brough, Lib Dems) has commented on the proposal and said: 'This is a much better option than the previously proposed site on the riverbank, and has the support of at least some local previous objectors. 'It will be a striking and handsome feature at the main entrance into the town. Allusion to the annual Appleby Horse Fair won't be to everyone's taste; but it happens and the town is renowned for it.' However, a spokesman from the Appleby Fair Communities Group, said: 'Many of the issues raised, and reasons for refusal, in the original application remain unresolved and still relevant, particularly the distress that this statue will cause to many local residents. 'For a significant portion of the community, the Appleby Fair is not a celebration but a source of disruption, anxiety, and hardship. Installing a permanent statue commemorating the event is highly likely to deepen these feelings and worsen community division. 'The group behind this statue have shown themselves to be tone deaf and either have not listened to the original feedback or simply don't care. 'It appears they have ignored what many residents said and simply re-submitted their application for a different location, which I find quite bullish. 'The statue itself is little more than a Trojan horse — a supposed gift designed to impose an identity on the town that many do not recognise as their own, stamping ownership where none has been earned. It is certainly noteworthy that funding and effort can be readily found for a statue, with strong advocacy to ensure its installation, yet there seems to be no similar energy spent on funding the event itself. 'Instead, the expectation remains that local taxpayers will shoulder the burden. This is particularly jarring at a time when many residents are struggling to afford basic necessities, such as heating, while council tax continues to rise. The contrast is striking and unjust.'
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Cumbrian service station plan would help drive forward net zero ambitions
A PROPOSED battery energy storage system (BESS) could be installed at a Cumbrian service station if the plans are approved by Westmorland & Furness Council. The application is for a site at Westmorland Motorway Services at Tebay and the proposed facility would help with the operation of EV charging points on the southbound side of the M6. According to a planning statement in November 2020 the Government committed to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 and support the UK's transition to zero emissions vehicles. It adds: 'Since then, sales of EVs have increased significantly, and it is therefore key that infrastructure to support EVs is in place, particularly on the Strategic Road Network (SRN) whereby longer distances are travelled and remote charging is needed. 'BESS developments are key enablers for our Net Zero future. They provide a more balanced grid network, with the ability to store power from the grid at off peak periods to meet demand to improve energy capacity and reliability, which in this case will facilitate the operation of EV charging spaces and benefit the increasing number of travellers on the SRN.' According to the report the applicant, Westmorland Limited, is a family-owned Motorway Service Area (MSA) operator of three MSAs: Tebay; Gloucester; and Cairn Lodge. It states: 'Key to meeting the increasing need for EV charge points on the SRN is having electrical capacity to meet these requirements, particularly in locations, such as Tebay, whereby upgrading the infrastructure can be costly and challenging. 'BESS can provide an immediate solution to providing power for the purpose of EV charging. 'BESS provide a more balanced grid network, with the ability to store power from the grid at off peak periods to meet demand to improve energy capacity and reliability, which in this case will facilitate the operation of EV charging spaces and benefit the increasing number of travellers on the SRN. 'Key concerns relating to uptake of EV are range anxiety, charging times and infrastructure. The proposed development will improve the energy capacity and reliability to support recharging process, which will improve user experience and confidence in EV, therefore, assisting to meet longer term targets of decarbonising all road transport. 'This in turn will lower carbon emissions and assist with the progression towards Net Zero by 2050.' The application is currently being considered by planning officers at the council.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Penrith school could get new extensions with new classrooms
A PENRITH school could get new extensions and alterations if the plans are approved by Westmorland & Furness Council's Eden local area planning committee next week. Members are due to meet at the town's Voreda House on Wednesday (June 11) to consider the planning application for Beaconside C of E Primary School in Hutton Hill. It is being considered by councillors because the application is from the council and the recommendation to grant planning permission is contrary to the recommendation of Penrith town council. According to the report concerns have been raised regarding the number of available staff car parking spaces and the increase in traffic at normal school drop-off and pick-up times. The report states: 'The highway authority consider that the level of parking is in line with the guidance set out in the Cumbria Development Design Guide, and they do not object to the proposed increase to the size of the school.' According to the report the full planning application for extensions and alterations to the existing school to allow for an increase to the existing Published Admission Number (PAN) from 73 to 90 which would provide an additional 119 pupil places from reception year to year six. The report states: 'This application proposes two new single storey classroom extensions. The first is for two new Key Stage 1 (KS1) classrooms measuring 63 square metres internal floor space each with a total new building gross internal area of 155.7 square metres. 'This extension will be located at the west edge of the school next to the staff car parking area and will be 26 metres from the road, Hutton Hill/Brent Road. 'The second, for Key Stage 2 (KS2), will have three classrooms measuring 55 square metres each, along with staff space, toilets and plant room, with a new build gross internal area of 269 square metres. 'The extension will be located in the southern section of the school where the existing storage unit and library bus are positioned but they will be relocated elsewhere within the school grounds.' In a response from the town council it states that it recognises the importance of educational development and that Beaconside School has been chosen as the school where growth will occur. It adds: 'It also believes that the application fails to adequately address several significant concerns related to the transport statement and travel plan relating to topography of the town, highway safety, public transport access and compliance with the relevant national and local planning policies. 'There is concern that the amount of parking for staff, 33 spaces, based on Cumbria County Council's Parking Standards is insufficient for 70 FTE staff.' The town council also raised concerns relating public transport within Penrith because the buses do not run at times corresponding with start and finish times at the school. The council received three letters of objection which raised concerns including: The road infrastructure surrounding the school cannot cope with the existing levels of traffic; There is already a major problem with the huge number of pupils who arrive and depart by car which are parked on the roadside and footpaths that impede visibility; That additional vehicles will be extremely unsafe for children, parents and local residents; Suggest an environmental impact assessment and ongoing monitoring of the traffic levels in the local area; Suggests that a wider impact assessment is carried out to ensure the expansion of the school does not result in other local primary schools becoming unsustainable. And there was one letter of support which supported the requirement for extra capacity in the school especially with the huge volume of new houses being built around Penrith. The report states: 'However, concern is with the volume of additional traffic that the proposed development will create. 'Suggest that the use of school buses and walking buses be developed which would be more sustainable.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Exploring the peaceful 'cradle of Quakerism' in Cumbria
SWARTHMOOR Hall has opened its doors for the 2025 season as it gears up to welcome tourists, locals and visitors to this unique venue, which has values embedded in sustainability, biodiversity and relaxation. Known as the cradle of Quakerism, the hall and gardens were built around 1600 and are steeped in Quaker history, a movement that is particularly relevant in today's modern society. The Quakers date back to the 1650s, when founder George Fox was challenging the world he saw and seeking to live a life embedded in integrity, peace, simplicity, truth and equality. Along with his wife Margaret, who hailed from Swarthmoor Hall, he used the venue as a base in the north of England and a place of solace and security for those who practised the Quaker faith. Today, the Quaker movement, which continues to practise its values on sustainability, protecting the environment and reducing waste, can be explored via the history of Swarthmoor Hall, near Ulverston. The Grade II* listed building's interiors contain examples of the original 17th century carved panelling and artefacts, alongside 20th century carvings by Emma Clarke Abraham, a direct descendant of Margaret. It was Emma who, in 1912-14 restored the property to what it is today. When it was left to the Quakers in the 1950s, they carefully sourced period furnishings to ensure that the hall appeared as it would have in the early days. The surrounding gardens have also evolved from their initial conception when they would have been used to grow plants and herbs for medicines and fruit and vegetables to cook in the family kitchen. Today, they are a focus of wildlife and biodiversity with dedicated relaxation areas, a wildflower meadow and beehives. (Image: Swarthmoor Hall) Swarthmoor Hall offers visitors a unique venue for all, whether they come to explore the hall and gardens, drop in for coffee or lunch at the Barn café or want to purchase locally produced arts and crafts from the shop. The venue also has meeting space for hire and is an ideal setting for creative and relaxing retreats from yoga and meditation to dance and self-discovery. For those who wish to stay a little longer there is also a range of self-catering accommodation onsite. For more information, opening times and ticket prices visit Swarthmoor Hall is just one of the venues being highlighted by the Let's Go Culture project, which has received £99,194 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being supported by Westmorland & Furness Council.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cumberland Council set to look at recommissioning sexual health services
A PROPOSAL to recommission sexual health services in the Cumberland Council area will be examined next week. Members of Cumberland Council's health overview and scrutiny committee are due to meet at the Civic Centre in Carlisle on Thursday, March 13, to consider the report, titled Recommissioning of Integrated Sexual Health Services. According to the report the council has a statutory duty to provide a range of sexual health services to its population under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The report states: 'These services provide comprehensive open access sexual health services, including free STI testing and treatment, notification of sexual partners of infected persons, advice on and reasonable access to a broad range of contraception and advice on preventing unplanned pregnancy. 'This report provides the members of the health overview and scrutiny committee with the details of the plans for the recommissioning of the Integrated Sexual Health Service.' It is recommended that members consider the plans in the report for the recommissioning of the services and provide a response to the executive committee for their meeting on March 27. The report states: 'Permission from the executive committee is being sought for Cumberland Council to enter into an agreement with Westmorland & Furness Council in order to procure a Cumbriawide Integrated Sexual Health Service for a period of up to 10 years, a six-year initial term plus an optional extension of up to four years. 'Westmorland & Furness Council will be the lead authority and will undertake the procurement and contract with the with the successful provider on behalf of both councils. The estimated value of Cumberland's contribution over the full 10-year term is a maximum of £20 million.' In addition they are asked to delegate authority to the director of public health and communities to agree to the award of the Cumbriawide contract following the conclusion of the procurement process.
