“Too large”, “totally unnecessary”, “a prime example of over-development” and “ludicrous”.
These are just a few of the words used by residents of Pooley Bridge to describe a proposal to “extend” a car park and build a new toilet block and information centre in the village at Eusemere Foot.
However, Barton and Pooley Bridge Parish Council are recommending that the scheme be approved — despite the many objections voiced by residents at a special meeting held in the village to discuss the plan.
This would see the creation of 72 car parking bays, six disabled parking spots, 11 bays for electric vehicles and four spaces for coaches — plus the toilets and information centre.
The proposal has been submitted by an applicant identified as J. Heath, care of Portland CMS Ltd — the Carlisle-based firm acting as the applicant’s agent. The owner/agricultural tenant of the site is named as the Lake District National Park Authority. The authority’s development control committee will determine whether or not the scheme can go ahead.
Around 20 residents turned up at the special meeting in Pooley Bridge and seven spoke against the plan, often to loud applause.
Their objections included that there is already enough parking in the village on all but the very busiest days. They pointed out that permission is being sought for extra parking behind the Sun Inn and there is a planning appeal to retain a parking area at Waterfoot, near the village, which has proved popular with many local people.
It was said that while the new park would benefit businesses, it would harm the privacy of residents and result in even more traffic in the area, which is already very crowded at busy times.
In a letter of objection to the scheme, one resident wrote: “We should not be building on green sites, spoiling lovely views, disturbing wildlife and nor should we be encouraging more car use and pollution.”
Objectors have also expressed concern over the impact of the scheme on the River Eamont, saying it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and claim there is a badger sett in the area.
Regarding the toilet block plan, they say the village’s wastewater system is not adequate for current levels and that money would better be spent on this situation than adding to the sewage burden.
Another wrote: “There is already so much pressure on the tiny little junction at the entrance to the car park. Adding additional traffic would be restricting the access of the residents of both Heughscar Close and Eusemere Lane.”
Speaking after the meeting, parish council chairman Miles MacInnes said the scheme had been opposed by a “relatively small number of local residents”.
He added: “Taking a look at the bigger picture — there undoubtedly are parking problems in Pooley Bridge — we decided to support it, but pointed out there is opposition.”
The council is also raising concern over access at the exit from the car park and Heughscar Close on to the B5320.
