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The Lake District National Park Authority’s Development Control Committee today rejected plans for the development of White Moss.
White Moss. Photo: Kate Willshaw
Jim Lowther, brother of the eighth Earl of Lonsdale who is custodian of the family’s estate, had applied to develop common land at White Moss on the A591 between Rydal Water and Grasmere.
The committee members, by 12 votes to 2, refused permission, overturning the recommendation of planning officers to approve the development.
Says our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook: ‘We are highly relieved that committee members upheld national park principles and recognised the damage that this money-making scheme would cause. Jim Lowther wanted to create a new “welcome hub” offering food drink and various retail outlets, improve the car-park and make defined tracks and trails.
‘Such a commercial enterprise was more suited to Disney World or Legoland than a tranquil corner of the superlative Lake District which inspired the Romantic tradition.
‘The members shared our astonishment that the park’s planners could support such a damaging scheme. We are delighted that it has been thrown out.’
Other objectors included the Friends of the Lake District, Lakes Parish Council, Ramblers and a number of individuals.