Roanhead Mines under threat of being turned into a caravan park.

[me]

The Roanhead mines are on a parcel of land due to be turned into a caravan park. There needs to be more people objecting to the planning application to stop this.

Save Roanhead

Planning Application No. B06/2023/ 0307

 

[tomferry]

I shall have to have a look if I still have the photos of a local ish mine where cars fall inside !

 

[ChrisB]

The "Save Roanhead" website linked above has a list of the relevant local planning policies but says "The amazing team at Cumbria Wildlife Trust have set up a portal where you can register a simple objection to the Roanhead resort without linking to the local plan policies". Having been involved in many planning applications, as a local Councillor, anything that doesn't relate to the policies in the local plan, however logical and sensible it is, will be dismissed as "not a material consideration". That's not a criticism of the local planners, it's the way the planning system works. So I suggest taking their advice and writing your own objection, but link it to the policies.

 

[AR]

The presence of mining remains on the proposed site does not in itself give grounds for objection, you have to consider what impact the proposal has on them in the light of how important they are (heritage significance). I had a quick look at the archaeological assessment on the application last night and the consultants had graded them as locally significant (the lowest ranking), but not knowing the remains around Furness myself I can't say whether that is a fair assessment or not - in my experience, most professional archaeologists have little or no experience of mining archaeology and all too often parrot things they've read without the understanding and context to be properly critical of them. There's a CATMHS survey of the mining remains referenced, that would provide a starting point but really it needs someone with a good knowledge of the area remains and an idea of how the Furness iron mining industry fits into the wider UK picture to say whether or not there are good grounds to object based on impacts to the mining remains.
Having said that, if there's a significant population of natterjack toads on the site, then that's a far stronger pillar to build a case against on, which I presume is CWT's starting point.

 

[Jenny P]

There is a BCRA Cave Studies Series no. 20 booklet called "The Cumbrian Ring", written by Phil Murphy, which has details of mining remains in this area. It specifically mentions the haematite mines and also refers to the natterjack toads. Can't lay my hands on a copy at the moment but it may have sinme useful material in it.

 

[alanw]

Battle over controversial resort intensifies as charities oppose plans

THE battle over the controversial Roanhead resort has intensified after a coalition of charities have rallied together to oppose the plans.

www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk

 

[alanw]

Controversial plans for £100m holiday resort withdrawn

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a £100 million resort in Furness have been withdrawn.

www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk

 

[dougle89]

Thank goodness that's been withdrawn

 

[Llanigraham]

Thank goodness that's been withdrawn

Doesn't mean the plans can't be modified and a new application made

 

[dougle89]

Doesn't mean the plans can't be modified and a new application made

Aye no doubt there'll be a more natterjack friendly application very soon

 

[jonnybellman]

As I was Born & bred in Barrow, although no longer live close, it was nice to see the application was withdrawn (albeit it a risk another may arise). As a side note, I've always fancied taking my dive gear down to some of the ponds down there (I've always assumed they were the result of mining?). Unsure how that would be viewed regarding the nature areas. I don't believe a few bubbles would impact anything, but nevertheless wouldn't want to upset anyone either.

 

[dougle89]

As I was Born & bred in Barrow, although no longer live close, it was nice to see the application was withdrawn (albeit it a risk another may arise). As a side note, I've always fancied taking my dive gear down to some of the ponds down there (I've always assumed they were the result of mining?). Unsure how that would be viewed regarding the nature areas. I don't believe a few bubbles would impact anything, but nevertheless wouldn't want to upset anyone either.

I may be wrong, but rather than open cast pits aren't they the results of subsidence from the below ground activities, so not sure how much of interest would be visible?

 

[jonnybellman]

I may be wrong, but rather than open cast pits aren't they the results of subsidence from the below ground activities, so not sure how much of interest would be visible?

I don't need much of a reason to stick my gear on and get wet. If nothing a bit practise and a nosy I'd be up for it. You could be right regarding the subsidence. Not sure if there's any appreciable depth to them.

 

[dougle89]

I don't need much of a reason to stick my gear on and get wet. If nothing a bit practise and a nosy I'd be up for it. You could be right regarding the subsidence. Not sure if there's any appreciable depth to them.

Fair play haha, I doubt you'd upset anyone other than the fishermen sat round the edge

 

[jonnybellman]

Well, after a little investigation today, I've ruled that out. Looked murkier than tea, and full of rubbish.