The development consortium behind the proposed Derwent Forest regeneration project has said it will consider its options after its planning application for the regeneration of a former NATO arms dump was rejected by the local authority.
The scheme had been recommended for approval by planning offices.
The Derwent Forest Development Consortium Ltd was seeking permission to regenerate 1,050 acres of land near Broughton Moor in Cumbria which encompasses a redundant colliery. Proposals within its masterplan included new employment space, new homes and community facilities, a link to the coast-to-coast cycleway and the removal of miles of military fencing to open up the site for public use.
“This is disappointing news given the tremendous amount of work we have undertaken with all stakeholders to demonstrate how the scheme would sit well within its location and address the local road network,” said Nigel Catterson, chairman of the development company.
“The application clearly brings a wide range of benefits to the area and supports a number of strategic priorities identified by local government. It remains our ambition to remediate 450 acres of derelict land and improve public access alongside building affordable homes, an early-years teaching unit at Broughton academy and the planting of 15,000 trees. There are wider ecological gains available, too, and the amenity value of linking the site to the coast-to-coast cycleway and building new exercise trails.
“Our proposals were just for phase one and we have even greater ambitions for the remainder of the site which we hope to bring to fruition. But first we will absorb the details of the reasoning behind the decision and consider our options,” added Nigel Catterson.
The role of the Derwent Forest project is recognised in a number of key strategies including the Energy Coast Masterplan, Sub-regional Spatial Strategy, Cumbria Tourism Destination Plan and Cumbria Economic Plan.
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