AN application for a 550-metre fence at a south Cumbrian limestone beauty spot has been opposed by the Open Spaces Society.

The pressure group has objected to an application from the Farleton Knott Commoners’ for a fence along the west side of Puddlemire Lane across Farleton Knott common.

Farleton Knott, three miles east of Milnthorpe, is a limestone hill of outstanding natural beauty and interest for its geology and flora and fauna.

The application has been made on behalf of the commoners by the landowner, the Dallam Tower Estate.

Because the fence is on common land, the applicant needs the consent of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, via the Planning Inspectorate.

The application says that the fence is required “to facilitate the cattle grazing to be introduced under the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme.”

The planning documents state: “As there is a road running through the common the fence is necessary to prevent escape and to retain the cattle on the main block of the common.

“Cattle grids on the road have been considered but would change the context of the road and not have any benefits in terms of restricting unauthorised access to the common.

“Grey netting and wire will be used in common with neighbouring fences to mitigate the visual impact.

"A timber gate is proposed at each end of the fence for authorised vehicular access and stock movements. A stile will be provided where the main pedestrian access point crosses the fence.

"The proposed fence will also help prevent unauthorised access by mountain and trials bikes which are causing erosion on regularly used routes."

But Ian Brodie, a Cumbria representative of the Open Spaces Society, said: “This fence would be a severe intrusion in the landscape, closing in a road which is currently open. It would be a physical and psychological barrier to walkers who have rights over the whole common.

“While the common may be in need of grazing, this can be achieved without a permanent fence.

“Cattle-grids would be a suitable, unobtrusive solution. We do not believe that the landowner’s claim of unauthorised access by bikes should be used as an excuse to erect an ugly permanent fence on this rare limestone gem.

“Landowners should not expect to solve problems of poor management with inappropriate solutions.”