MP welcomes Backbarrow Ironworks planning permission

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, Staveley in Cartmel Councillor Sue Sanderson and Cumbria County Councillor Rod Wilson have today welcomed the news that planning permission has been given for new development to complete the Backbarrow Ironworks scheme and have heralded the news as a 'win for the community and for the protection of such an important historical site'.

The applicant Reno Global Ltd was proposing a change of use to include houses for people living and working inCumbria. Six of which would be for "local needs" and six would be "affordable housing".

The site would also have premises for light industrial use and offices. The planning application which was approved with conditions incorporated a commitment to restore and do remedial work on the Ancient Scheduled Monument. The site was described today as probably the most important historical site in the National Park

Tim has long campaigned to kick-start the project again and has worked with the community to push the project forward as work ceased, the site was left half completed in 2007 after the financial collapse of the developer.

Commenting, Tim said: "The Backbarrow Ironworks project has been stalled for far too long, stopping much needed jobs and affordable homes from being created. So today's news will be a massive boost for the community. I want to pay tribute to local residents, the parish council and councillors Sue Sanderson and Rod Wilson for their hard work, commitment and never giving up on this project. Together our campaigning has paid off but we will not stop working and pushing until work begins on the site!"

Councillor Sue Sanderson added: "We are very grateful to the LDNPA committee and its officers for agreeing to support this application and showing a commitment to the community and to the important historical site. We look forward to seeing some tangible progress in completing the development and removing an eyesore from the village."