The potential for jobs creation outweighed concerns of residents as an extension to Blencathra Business Centre at Threlkeld was given the go-ahead.
A meeting of the Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee was told on Wednesday that BEC, which owns and operates the centre, was proposing to build a series of new work spaces on unused land to the north east of the existing site at Threlkeld Quarry Park.
An additional 45 car parking spaces would be provided and it had been estimated that it would generate 27 extra vehicles, if approved.
However, the meeting was told that there were a number of objections to the application.
One objector, who had asked for their comments to be read out, said: “The proposals create a dangerous situation all day, from day one. Neighbours of the narrow single lane B road junction don’t stand a chance. This is not the place, they (the units) could be built elsewhere in a more suitable location. It does not have to be here. It is well past time that quarry residents were treated with more consideration and respect.”
The objector said this was a harmful development which was motivated by economics.
Bill Graham, director of properties at BEC, said there was 100 per cent occupation at the Blencathra business centre and over the past seven years since he had been involved with it, spaces had never been vacant for more than a few days.
He said there was a “huge demand for space” from local start-up businesses coming from Keswick and the A66 corridor by and large.
The existing workshops support about 35 jobs and more would be created with the introduction of new units.
“We are not aiming here at a heavy industrial use,” said Mr Graham, who is also a director of the road quarry management committee.
He said he deeply understands residents’ concerns and pain and has carefully looked at the scheme they are trying to develop.
Mr Graham said it was a “sympathetic” addition to what was already there and had also taken on board the proximity to neighbours.
He added that they had also undertaken to contribute towards the actual upkeep of the road, and, when questioned, said they were “happy to look” at what complementary traffic calming measures could be introduced.
“We are keen to work with residents,” said Mr Graham.
A call was also made for electric charging points to be added to the scheme, which would help its future sustainability.
Richard Outhwaite, who sits on the committee, said: “The only option open to us really would be to refuse permission because of the unsuitability of the access road, bearing in mind that traffic calming might solve that, and if we refused it, it might cause the applicant to put greater efforts into finding a solution that would enable traffic calming to be put in and maintained.
Committee chairman Mark Kidd said: “There are definitely very clear public benefits here. There are very few business sites available for development in the Lake District National Park and this is one of them and it is already attached to an existing one.
“It is a perfect extension, so there are significant benefits there for the local economy, in my opinion.”
