Sewage treatment plant at Land to the south east of Sunny Bank Cottage, Little Langdale

“I am reporting this application to Committee because the field where the proposed treatment plant would be located is owned by a close relative of a member of staff of the Lake District National Park Authority. The dwelling to be served by the treatment plant is not owned by the relative.”

“Planning permission is sought for the replacement of the existing septic tank, serving the dwelling known as Sunny Bank Cottage, with a new package treatment plant. The treatment plant would be installed at the same location within the field, and be connected to the existing foul drain from the dwelling. A new 100mm uPVC discharge drain would connect the treatment plant to the existing culvert, which would then discharge to the nearby watercourse.”

“The proposed field where the treatment plant and discharge drain would be located is within the Wilson Place Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the North Pennine Dales Meadows…”

“Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee – 5 August 2026 7/2026/5112 Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The site is designated as herb-rich hay meadow and is one of only 4 other hay meadow SSSI’s in Cumbria. Hay meadows are significantly impacted by phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) which are key nutrients influencing their overall biodiversity, with high levels leading to a decline in plant species.”

“Natural England welcome the removal of this septic tank from the designated site and advise that a robust decommissioning plan is secured through Condition once the licensed contractor for its removal is appointed. This will need to include stringent pollution prevention measures and timing of the works after the final hay-cut and removal in August or September.”

“Following further discussions with Natural England and the applicant, Natural England agreed that a condition which restricted the treatment plant to a maximum Nitrogen discharge of 10mg/l and a maximum…”

“No letters of representation have been received.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] were unanimously in favour of the motion…”