Two polytunnels at Beckfoot Farm, Ennerdale

“Report from the Head of Development Management to Development Control Committee ________________________________________________________________ Application number: 7/2025/4019 Application type: Full Planning application Applicant: [the applicant], National Trust Location: Beckfoot Farm, Ennerdale, Cumbria, CA23 3AU Grid reference: 310240, 516213 Proposal: Erection of two polytunnels to support small scale tree and flower cultivation for local use Report prepared by:…”

“The proposals form part of the Wild Ennerdale project to increase tree cover within the valley and would be used to provide a small tree and flower nursery, for species of local provenance, to be used within the surrounding area.”

“The Parish Council have expressed concern that the siting of polytunnels within the garden of Beckfoot would discourage the residential use of the dwelling in the future. Beckfoot Farm comprises a two storey farmhouse with an attached bank barn. The entire site has been owned by the National Trust since 1954 and has been used as a staff house, B&B, property office and tenanted let, but is currently vacant.”

“Whilst of a non-traditional character and appearance, the proposals would be sited within an enclosed site, close to existing built development and screened from public view. The development would not be visible from the bridleway to the south of the site (BW 407062) which runs along the lake shore, or the highway to the north of the site.”

“Having regard to the provisions of the development plan, in particular Lake District National Park Local Plan Policies 01, 02, 04, 05, 06 and 07, the Design Code and Biodiversity SPDs and other material considerations (including the provisions of the NPPF), the development is considered to be acceptable, subject to the conditions recommended.”

“Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee – 4 March 2026 7/2025/4019 • Loss of residential use in the garden and commercialisation of the curtilage of a dwelling would alter its character and reduce its attractiveness and viability as a dwelling. Concerned this would represent a further erosion of local housing stock.”

“Cumberland Council have no comments to make on this application.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions.”

“Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] in favour of motion: Abstentions: 1”