Major national park development project halted
ReutersPlans for a major development in a national park have been halted after doubts it could meet a timetable required to secure grant support for highways work.
The Windermere Gateway Project, planned for the Orrest Head Farm site within the Lake District National Park, aimed to boost tourism, employment and affordable housing provision.
However, Westmorland and Furness Council leader Jonathan Brook told cabinet members the proposed housing scheme could not proceed to planned timescales.
The group behind the project - made up of the council, the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority and housing developer Urban Splash - said it remained "fully committed" to pursuing it.
Westmorland and Furness Council previously agreed a £9.95m funding deal with Homes England to fund highways work.
But Brook told the cabinet meeting the grant agreement would not be taken forward because the scheme could not proceed to the timescale set by Homes England.
A joint statement from the Windermere Gateway partners said: "A number of challenges have recently arisen that affect the deliverability of this project.
"We remain fully committed to delivering the ambitions of the Windermere Gateway.
"As soon as we know more we will communicate developments to stakeholders and the community."
