CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed news that an historic South Lakeland landmark could soon have a new use – as a site for housing.

Local MP Tim Farron and campaigner Sue Sanderson are backing a planning application lodged with the Lake District National Park Authority to revamp the historic Backbarrow Ironworks.

Reno Global Ltd, whicj is taking on the site, wants to build houses for people living and working in Cumbria – with a proportion of the homes set to be ‘affordable’.

Work to develop the site for housing and commercial use was halted several years ago due to the developer at the time running into financial problems – and it has been virtually derelict ever since.

Now plans are with the national park authority to bring the site back to life.

Mr Farron has been working with Haver-thwaite Parish Council, local people and the bational park to try to find a solution.

He said: “The Ironworks project has been stalled for far too long, stopping much-needed jobs and affordable homes from being created. I share the impatience of residents to see progress being made and it is vital that the authority gives us a positive decision soon.”

Campaigner Ms Sanderson said: “This has long been a major concern for local people, the change of use to mainly housing is something we have asked for and would welcome. However we must continue to fight on to ensure that the develop-ment is completed.”