A PROPOSAL to build a large-scale holiday complex on land around Grayrigg is to be the subject of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - despite the applicant’s insistence it should not be required.
Michael Pratt submitted a request to South Lakeland District Council on March 1 for a screening opinion for the development, which is proposed over three adjacent pieces of land at Sunny Hollow Farm, the applicant's address.
The development is described as: "The conversion of existing unused farm building to provide an alternative economic use for the site (with associated employment) comprising holiday accommodation, site facilities, and a food and beverage offer.
"To support the conversion of the farm buildings and delivery of onsite facilities, 41 holiday lodges, seven pods, six yurts, and four safari tents are proposed to provide further holiday accommodation alongside landscape planting and proposals for biodiversity net gain."
The village of Grayrigg itself contains 49 properties, according to council tax statistics – less than the number of properties the development itself would house.
READ MORE: Request submitted for development of major rural holiday park
The purpose of the request is to determine whether an EIA would need to be submitted by Mr Pratt prior to the submission of a formal planning application.
A cover letter submitted as part of the application states: "The development proposals would not result in any likely significant effects upon any environmental or other designated asset which would warrant the application being subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment.
"It is formally requested that SLDC adopt a screening opinion to confirm this position.”
This request, however, has been denied, with SLDC Planning confirming on March 30 that the development would require an EIA based partly on 'significant concerns' of pollution of water nutrients in an area of conservation.
There are further concerns about flooding raised in the delegated report.
It says: "Portions of the application site are within Flood Zone 3, the nature of the proposed development for residential holiday accommodation comprising of caravans and camping would be considered a more vulnerable use."
The report also states: "The site contains internationally designated river environments, which require the highest level of protection, with particular focus on nationally important populations of white-claw crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel and bullhead."
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