A potential solution to ongoing parking issues near a popular beauty spot and walking route near Catbells is to be reconsidered by planners later this month.
The applicant, Mike Anderton, says it is the missing part of a well thought out, evidence backed three-pronged solution that will resolve the area’s long-standing parking problems.
He has lodged a planning application with the Lake District National Park Authority for a 150-space car park at Ullock Moss, including five per cent for disabled parking. The plans also include an undercover waiting area for bus users, toilet facilities and links to established and popular walking and cycle routes.
Mr Anderton said: “A 2021 study found that resolving the problems caused by inappropriate parking, would require three things. Parking restrictions, the promotion of sustainable travel and an appropriate alternative location in which existing visitors can park.
“The council (Cumberland) has invested public money in bringing forward parking restrictions, enforcing them and providing a shuttle bus service. In isolation these have failed.
“Existing visitors, on average, drive 79 miles to this location. When they find nowhere to park, they don’t just turn for home. They drive unnecessary miles trying to find a space and end up parking inappropriately on the verges.”
He said that the situation was getting steadily worse with no solution with people walking in and out of parked vehicles and going to the loo behind walls.
“This new application shows that the Highways Authority have exhausted all reasonable and relevant regulatory measures, and the original combined approach is still needed,” he added.
“The location is en route to Catbells from Portinscale. Any vehicle which uses the car park will be one less vehicle driving onward to Catbells and parking on the verges. It will also give the parking restrictions a chance of working.”
The site, to the south of Portinscale and opposite Nichol End Marine, is currently used for forestry operations for the adjacent woodland.
Mr Anderton, who lives in the affected area, says the proposal is well supported locally by a silent majority and it is in line with planning policy.
He added that expert analysis shows that in accommodating existing parking demands, the proposal will not generate additional traffic. He said it will reduce hazards associated with pedestrians and cars sharing restricted road space, and reduce illegal and damaging roadside parking, while encouraging onward sustainable and active travel.
Opposition to the new application has come from the Friends of the Lake District which is urging its members to object to the proposal. The landscape charity says that it is aware of the need for parking and traffic issues in the area to be addressed in the Catbells area, but says simply building more car parks is not a long term solution.
