Backbarrow Ironworks plan offers chance to breath new life into site

Local MP Tim Farron has joined with campaigner Sue Sanderson to welcome news that the long running saga of Backbarrow Ironworks looks like it could be coming to an end.

A planning application has been lodged with the National Park authority to try and end the long running saga. Reno Global Ltd who are taking on the development, say the houses are for people living and working in Cumbria. They also say six of the homes would be for "local needs" and six would be "affordable housing". The houses are being proposed for the historic former Ironworks at Backbarrow.

Work to develop the site for residential housing and commercial use was halted several years ago due to the developer at the time running into financial difficulty. The site has been virtually derelict ever since but now plans are with the Lake District National Park Authority to bring the site back to life.

For many months Tim has been working with Haverthwaite Parish Council, local residents and the Lake District National Park to try and find a solution to the situation.

Tim said: "The Backbarrow Ironworks project has been stalled for far too long, stopping much needed jobs and affordable homes from being created. I share the impatience of local residents to see progress being made and it is vital that the National Park gives us a positive decision soon."

Local campaigner Sue Sanderson said: "This issue has long been a major concern for local residents, the change of use to mainly housing is something residents have asked for and would be welcomed, however we must continue to fight on to ensure that the developments are completed."