Capita were commissioned to undertake the detailed design and consenting of the preferred route; getting all necessary permissions in place to allow the construction to start subject to funding. This work aimed to produce a detailed ‘digger ready’ consented design for a new trail between Keswick Station and Threlkeld village thanks to funding pledged from Highways England.
With Capita, as our agent, we worked closely with key consultees – Natural England, Environment Agency, Highways England, local landowners and Cumbria County Council to identify and understand the necessary environmental protection measures required to undertake the build whilst mitigating impacts on the landscape and habitats.
We met local people at a community event to share the news and gain feedback on progress at Threlkeld Village Hall.
We announced a £2.5 million capital grant from Highways England and a partnership with the Lake District Foundation (LDF) to jointly fundraise the shortfall of what was thought be around £3m by July 2018 to allow the trail build to start, subject to consent.
Designs for the trail reconnection were shared with the local community and key stakeholders, online, via the newsletter and at public drop in sessions Keswick and Threlkeld.
As the trail developer we submitted the formal planning application (7/2018/2116) for the specified design, including the consultation responses that were received during the development of the application.
We publicised the planning application and current status of the project through local media, email newsletters, website and information boards at the Moot Hall.
Applications for shortfall funding were made to European Union (EU) and Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) sources along with the Lake District Foundation charity led fundraising campaign to support the trail build. EU funding (European Regional Development Fund and European Structural and Investment Funds (ERDF and ESIF)) was secured under the Low Carbon Lake District project. LDF led local activities to secure donations and sponsorship. Highways England committed to further capital grant support if there was a shortfall between monies raised and tender prices. And the LEP agreed in principle to support under the UK Growth Fund scheme.
Planning permission secured, with conditions, requiring a detailed construction management plan.
Tender process and commission of construction partner.
