On Thursday 1st December 2022 representatives of Askam and Ireleth Parish Council were invited to attend an informal meeting by Mr Andrew Coutts, ILM Real Estate. The briefing was held in the Rankin Hall, Duke Street, Askam in Furness.
Mr Coutts and his team handed out briefing presentation brochures and used these as a desk top presentation material outlining the proposed development of Eco Lodges at Roanhead Farm. The briefing included the history of Roanhead Estate, Development Objectives, their Project Team, their preferred Operator Landal and their green pledge, Concept Master Plan Phase 1, Development Program and Future phases, resort leisure concept and resort club, sports, brasserie, farm shop, lodge concept materials. Site integration 1 and 2, ecological enhancement 1 and 2, landscape framework, planning strategy 1 and 2, specialised areas of EIA analysis 1 and 2, economic statements 1, 2 and 3 and Project timeline.
The supporting scoping document was also discussed and associated timescales in the formal planning process.
The parish council members present were asked about public feeling towards the proposal and we replied that whilst the parish council has not been approached formally, we were aware as individuals that there was already opinions both for and against the development.
We were then asked what the concerns were, and it was said that to date, Lots Road, Hawthwaite Lane and concerns regarding Askam beach and Sandscale Haws seemed to be the main issues. Mr Coutts said that he was already aware of concerns about Lots Road from reading the Parish Plan published in 2019. He assured the parish council that he was having meetings and conversations with Cumbria County Council Highways regarding both the Lots Road and Hawthwaite Lane.
We asked questions regarding Sandscale Haws and Askam beach which are SSSI sites with Sandscale Haws also being a RAMSAR site. The parish council feel it is paramount to preserve the environment and ecology of these areas. Mr Coutts stated that they are working closely with the National Trust who own and manage the land at Sandscale Haws.
We asked about projected economic impact from the development for Askam and Ireleth. An example was put forward of the Haven Holiday site at Flookburgh. It would appear that this complex does not have much benefit to the village of Flookburgh as all the amenities for guests are on the park site. The response was that local economy would benefit from 'spin offs' from the development as in employment and local companies getting work at the development.
The team then explained the next steps in the process including various environmental impact assessments.
Finally, we were informed that there will be engagement session with the public in Barrow, Dalton and Askam in the New Year prior to a formal planning application being submitted.
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