Ennerdale water access update

Update from [email protected]

​I am writing to inform you of the decision reached with regard to access to the private site on Ennerdale Lakeshore, accessed via How Hall Farm.
 
The restricted byway leading to How Hall Farm and Ennerdale Lake Shore is owned and managed by the National Trust, with access agreement for United Utilities and the local farm. The byway in question is privately owned, however unauthorised use is common, with frequent camping, anti-social behaviour, littering, the leaving of human waste, and damage caused to the land by campfires and barbecues. This increased misuse of the land, led United Utilities to contact Cumbria County Council on behalf of their partner agencies seeking permission to place physical barriers across the restricted byway.
 
Historically, the National Trust have permitted access to certain groups who respectfully use the lakeshore for leisure. However, the aforementioned issues have exacerbated over recent years, leading to the decision to seek to place physical barriers and prevent access altogether. A consultation on this proposal was undertaken in 2021 to establish views.
 
The initial proposal was for the introduction of a “Kent Carriage Gap,” consisting of 4 separate bollards. However objections were made drawing attention to documents published by the British Horse Society (BHS), indicating that the “Kent Carriage Gaps” are no longer supported. Upon consideration, United Utilities agreed to modify their proposal to consist of only 2 bollards, at a height of 330mm and 1550mm apart. This revision was made in line with advice by the BHS on erecting vehicle barriers on routes used by horse riders and carriage-drivers.
 
Secondly, clarification was sought on what access, if any, would be permitted to members of licensed groups. Cumbria County Council asked if consideration could be given to permitting access to licensed groups, on the proviso that the National Trust and their partners could reserve the right to withdraw access permissions at a later date if the site was seen to be disrespected. After consideration, the land owners agreed to allow permissive use to Copeland Canoe Club and Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, with both being local clubs to Ennerdale and existing users of the site. A suitable licence agreement will be drawn up by the National Trusts Land Agent. Any other vehicle access requests from individuals or groups would be advised to use the two nearby public car parks, from which the lake is accessible.
 
With the above conditions agreed, the bollards have now been approved for erection on site.
 
If you have any queries relating to this, please let us know.
 
Kind regards,
 
Traffic Team West
Highways Assets and Strategy | Highways and Transport
Economy and Infrastructure Directorate |Cumbria County Council |
Highways Depot | Joseph Noble Road |
Lillyhall Industrial Estate | Workington | CA14 4JH
 
t: 0300 303 2992
www.cumbria.gov.uk
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