ainstable - eden district

Ainstable Parish Council Serving the villages of Ainstable, Croglin, Newbiggin, and Ruckcroft,

the communities of Dale, Longdales, and Towngate, and the all the surrounding farms and houses.

Planning Application ~ Objection

Planning Application Commentary and objection by Ainstable Parish Council in response to the following planning application:

Planning Application Number 16/0760

Site Address NY 353448 545269 Ridge line to the South East of Ainstable village.

Description Placing of Storage Container to house Peak Power generator

Developer R & C Bowman Castlerigg Farm, Armathwaite, Cumbria

Nigel Vear Chairman Ainstable Parish Council

Site Location 353448 545269

Ainstable Parish Council Planning Application 16/0760

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Contents

Planning Application ~ Objection ............................................................................................................... 1

Planning Application .................................................................................................................................. 1

Summary Objection ................................................................................................................................... 3

The Planning Application............................................................................................................................ 4

Consultation & Parish Meetings ............................................................................................................. 4

Application Form .................................................................................................................................... 4

Parish Council Concerns ......................................................................................................................... 5

Noise ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Parish Council Comment ............................................................................................................................ 6

Ainstable Parish ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Listed Buildings ...................................................................................................................................... 7

Landscape Attributes and Justification ..................................................................................................10

Ecosystem Service Analysis ...................................................................................................................11

Cumbria Action ~ Parish Profile 2013 ....................................................................................................13

Population Profile .................................................................................................................................13

Employment .........................................................................................................................................14


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Summary Objection Ainstable Parish Council formally objects to the above planning application. We feel this proposed development is wrong for this location in one of the most peaceful and undisturbed parts of the country.

Ainstable Parish is in a ‘Landscape of County Importance’; part of the parish is in ‘The North Pennines Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty’ which overlooks the proposed development site.

Natural England lists the Eden Valley as National Character Area 9, and includes the following:

Statement of Environmental Opportunity 4: Protect and enhance the cultural heritage of the Eden Valley, reinforcing the vernacular building style and settlement pattern in the design and location of new developments, protecting tranquillity, enhancing green infrastructure and habitat networks, and improving opportunities for public enjoyment of the area.

Ensuring that new developments and changes in land use are successfully integrated into the landscape, and that they respect historic settlement and field patterns, make a positive contribution to ecological networks and do not compromise the rural character of the landscape.

The fields and rough pasture which make up the ridge line above Ainstable are home to thriving populations of endangered bird species including nesting grounds for curlew and lapwings, buzzards cruise along the ridge and many of the old buildings provide home to a healthy barn owl population.

This is an attempt at industrialisation of a rural environment, on what is literally a green-field site, with no other current buildings at the location.

This is not a farm diversification as there are no farm buildings, and no requirement for electricity generation, at the location

This is a strictly money making venture from the developer, with no discernible public benefit.

The developer has failed to consult with either the local population, or take advice from the planning authorities prior to starting this planning application.

The parish council is extremely concerned that the applicant would want to place a heavy generator producing a source of noise, toxic fumes, and having a heavy CO2 footprint.

Ainstable Parish Council supports farm diversification, and has championed and encouraged other suitable projects. We cannot though support anything which will lead to the industrialisation, and pollution of our otherwise very green and un-polluted environment.


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The Planning Application The developer, Mr Bowman, does not appear to have received any advice from the Planning Dept at Eden District Council, and also seems to have made little effort at any local public consultation prior to lodging this planning application.

Consultation & Parish Meetings The parish council has received a number of comments from members of the public, all of whom are concerned about this planning application. People are concerned about the likely impact of this potentially noisy development in what is a very quiet and tranquil part of the parish. Other major concerns are on the implication for future applications, and on the potential for the industrialisation of this green field site.

Ordinary Parish Council Meeting – Tues 20 Sept 2016 Ainstable Parish Council met for an ordinary meeting in Croglin Village Hall, during which this planning application was discussed. The parish council was unanimous in their objection to the proposed development.

Ainstable PC – Ordinary Meeting – Minutes – 20 Sept 2016

Application Form The parish council has a number of concerns about statements and answers provided on the planning application form.

3. Description of the Proposal Placing of Storage Container to house Peak Power generator for use for 36 hours per year

The parish council is rather sceptical of the need for a generator which will only be run for 36 hours in the year. This proposed maximum running time is unlikely to be sufficient to test the installation, let alone be of any use in providing any meaningful power generation. The parish council does not believe the generator would only be run for 36 hours, and believes it would be run for considerably more time to justify the investment.

6. Pedestrian and Vehicle Access, Roads and Rights of Way Is a new or altered vehicle access proposed to or from the public highway?

The applicant has stated that there would be no new vehicle entrance from the public highway, but at present this site has no direct access from the public highway. It is connected to another field which does have an entrance, but to build and service this development we believe the applicant will find he has to open up a new entrance from the public highway.

13. Biodiversity and Geological Conservation To assist in answering the following questions refer to the guidance notes for further information on when there is a reasonable likelihood that any important biodiversity or geological conservation features may be present or nearby and whether they are likely to be affected by your proposals.

Having referred to the guidance notes, is there a reasonable likelihood of the following being affected adversely or conserved and enhanced within the application site, OR on land adjacent to or near the application site:

a) Protected and priority species

The applicant has answered No to this question but previous surveys have shown the fields are home to breeding populations of lapwing and curlew. The lapwing is a protected species.

The lapwing is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; it is an offence to kill, injure or take an adult lapwing, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.

The only exception is legitimate farming practices that cannot be reasonably delayed, although farming methods can often be modified to reduce the impact on the lapwings.

www.rspb.org.uk – Sept 2016

The parish council does not consider that this development is a legitimate farming practice which cannot be delayed.

http://www.rspb.org.uk


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b) Designated sites, important habitats or other biodiversity features

The applicant has answered No to this despite being notified during a previous application that these fields were home to lapwing and curlew.

15. Trees and Hedges Are there trees or hedges on the proposed development site?

The applicant has answered No to this question, but the documents supplied by the applicant to support the application make specific reference to the trees and hedges surrounding the site.

And/or: Are there trees or hedges on land adjacent to the proposed development site that could influence the development or might be important as part of the local landscape character?

The applicant has answered No to this statement, but the hedgerows and trees surrounding the site are part of the old glebe plantations and contain many mature and locally important trees.

Parish Council Concerns The parish council has a range of concerns regarding this application including:

Running Hours The parish council does not consider the generator will only be run for a maximum of 36 hours in the year.

Fuel Storage There is no indication for how or where the fuel will be stored, or for the building of any bund to ensure that spillages are contained and do not pollute the local environment. The applicant has a history of causing pollution in a local watercourse which required intervention.

There is no indication as to the quantity of fuel to be stored on site, and no indication as to how the delivery and security of any fuel storage would be managed.

Vehicle Access The parish council believes the applicant will require a new entrance, and hardstanding, for this site to be constructed, and for the delivery of fuels and the maintenance of the equipment.

Fuel Type The parish council is extremely worried about the use of heavy fuel oils being used to generate electricity. This choice of a diesel generator would increase local pollution; it would have a heavy CO2 footprint, and would also lead to a build-up of toxic fumes in an otherwise un-polluted and very green environment.

Industrialisation This is a green field rural site with no current developments or buildings. The applicant does have permission to erect a small barn, but not one which would require power generation of this capacity. There are no dairy or other intensive farming operation on this site. The parish council does not consider this to be a farm diversification project, but to be an attempt at industrialisation in the rural environment.

Noise This location is within 250 metres of 2 residential properties which would be adversely effected by the noise of the generator. The parish council are also concerned that a generator of this size would be audible, and would disturb the tranquillity for a much larger area.

Vague Application The applicant is not applying for a specific development for a specific generator, but is rather asking for blanket approval for whatever he later chooses to do. The supporting noise survey makes it clear that no specific generator has been chosen, and therefore it cannot provide any concrete conclusions as to the noise which would be produced.

Environment & Protected Species The applicant makes no reference to the potential damage to the environment, or loss of habitat for the local lapwing population.


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Noise As a parish council we do not have the technical services to be able to comment as to the accuracy of the statements made in this document. What we can do is refer the planning committee to the statements from Natural England which describe this area as:

A landscape of significant tranquillity, accentuated by extensive views from within, of adjoining uplands, particular from the sandstone ridges, contrasting with the farmed landscape of the valley itself.

Natural England – National Character Area 9 – Eden Valley

As any visitor will soon find out this is a very quiet area. We do have our share of local traffic, and at specific times of the year, such as when silage is being collected there can be an increase in the background noise levels. These back ground noise levels are though very localised, and are only present for very short periods of time.

Still summer evenings can make it is possible to hear trains moving on the Carlisle to Settle line, and on occasions the traffic on the A6 itself can even be heard. This is one of the quietest parts of the country, and according to Natural England should be protected.

According to the CPRE Intrusion Map (2007) 71 per cent of the area is classed as ‘undisturbed’. Notably, there has been a 23 per cent decline in the undisturbed area between the 1960s and 2007.

Protect areas classified on Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) maps as ‘undisturbed’ from further intrusion.


We do have severe reservations as to the validity of the noise survey document, and question whether an adequate local survey was actually carried out.

Parish Council Comment Ainstable Parish Council would welcome a visit by Eden District Council Planning Committee to Ainstable village. We are certain that if the planning committee members were to inspect the proposed development site they would understand the concerns and reservations of the parish council and the local population.

This planning application seems to take no account of the value of the landscape. We also have a wide range of local wildlife that again will be potentially threatened by this proposed development.

We urge Eden District Council to heed the comments and concerns, and hope that the Planning Committee will agree with Ainstable Parish Council, and the local population, and will reject this planning application.

Nigel Vear Chairman Ainstable Parish Council


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Ainstable Parish Ainstable civil parish stretches from the eastern banks of the River Eden to the summits of the North Pennines where it borders with Northumberland. It includes the villages of Ainstable, Croglin, Newbiggin, and Ruckcroft, as well as the smaller communities of Dale, Longdales, and Towngate plus many individual farms and houses.

The higher fell areas to the east are mainly moorland with some rough grazing plus some shooting moors. The lower lying areas contain the four main villages, together with the smaller communities and many surrounding farms and houses. This area is predominantly farmland, with some woodland. The field patterns and the unspoilt quality of the villages reflect the depth of history which demonstrates why this parish, and the surrounding district, was chosen by Natural England as National Character Area 9.

Listed Buildings Ainstable parish lies in the Eden Valley which recognised as having a number of unique and listed buildings.

Landscape attribute Justification for selection

An historic settlement pattern of stone-built nucleated and linear villages with substantial churches often planned around greens and surrounded by scattered hamlets and farms.

Towns and villages tend to be located along the river and at the foot of the Pennine scarp, their origins and development reflecting the long history of occupation in the Valley; settlements tend to be locally distinctive and visually attractive, constructed using the local new red sandstone and roofed with green Westmorland slate.

The NCA contains a large number of farmhouses dating from the 17th century or earlier, many of which carry date stones.

Considerable numbers of ancient field systems remain around the mainly medieval historic nucleated settlements.



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Einglish Heritage ~ Register English Heritage have 27 listed buildings and scheduled monuments on the register for the immediate area surround Ainstable village.

There are four grade 2 listed buildings in the immediate area which would be overshadowed or severely impacted by the proposed development.

There are also a further seven scheduled monuments along the ridge line to the northeast of the proposed development site, including hut circles, stone circles and individual sites.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

The following list is taken from the English Heritage website.

Title Type Location Grade

BYRE WEST OF TOWNHEAD Listing BYRE WEST OF TOWNHEAD, NEWBIGGIN, Ainstable, Eden,

Cumbria II*

CROSS SOUTH OF CROSS HOUSE Listing CROSS SOUTH OF CROSS HOUSE, STAFFIELD, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL Listing CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL, AINSTABLE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

AINSTABLE HALL Listing AINSTABLE HALL, AINSTABLE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

TOWNHEAD Listing TOWNHEAD, AINSTABLE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

ARMATHWAITE HALL Listing ARMATHWAITE HALL,

ARMATHWAITE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria

II

CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST Listing CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, CROGLIN, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

FAIR HILL HOUSE, AND ADJOINING BARN Listing FAIR HILL HOUSE, AND ADJOINING

BARN, CROGLIN, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria

II

DALE FARMHOUSE AND ADJOINING BARN (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH DALE

FARMHOUSE TO WEST)

Listing

DALE FARMHOUSE AND ADJOINING BARN (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH

DALE FARMHOUSE TO WEST), DALE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria

II

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk


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Title Type Location Grade

LOW FOLD Listing LOW FOLD, RUCKCROFT, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

STABLE BLOCK TO NORTH WEST OF THE NUNNERY

Listing STABLE BLOCK TO NORTH WEST

OF THE NUNNERY, STAFFIELD, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria

II

BASCODYKE Listing BASCODYKE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

BRAMERY Listing BRAMERY, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

THE NUNNERY Listing THE NUNNERY, STAFFIELD, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria I

ARMATHWAITE BRIDGE Listing ARMATHWAITE BRIDGE,

ARMATHWAITE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria

II

THE OLD PELE AND RECTORY FARMHOUSE AND BARN

Listing THE OLD PELE AND RECTORY

FARMHOUSE AND BARN, CROGLIN, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria

II*

THE DALE Listing THE DALE, DALE, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

TOWNHEAD Listing TOWNHEAD, NEWBIGGIN, Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria II

SUMMER HOUSE SOUTH OF THE NUNNERY Listing SUMMER HOUSE SOUTH OF THE NUNNERY, STAFFIELD, Ainstable,

Eden, Cumbria II

Broomrigg B1: small stone circle in Broomrigg Plantation, 920m south east of

Street House

Scheduling Ainstable, Eden, Cumbria

Broomrigg A: large irregular stone circle and associated stone alignment in Broomrigg

Plantation, 820m south east of Street House


Broomrigg C: small stone circle in Broomrigg Plantation, 1010m south east of Street House


Broomrigg G: standing stone in Broomrigg Plantation, 730m south east of Street House


Broomrigg F: two hut circles in Broomrigg Plantation, 900m south east of Street House


Broomrigg I: standing stone in Broomrigg Plantation, 920m south east of Street House


Broomrigg P: shieling in Broomrigg Plantation, 775m south east of Street House


Broomrigg D: small stone circle in Broomrigg Plantation, 760m north west of Far Shields



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Landscape Attributes and Justification Natural England include in their reasons for choosing this as National Character Area 9 – Eden Valley:

Landscape attribute Justification for selection

An historic settlement pattern of stone-built nucleated and linear villages with substantial churches often planned around greens and surrounded by scattered hamlets and farms.

Towns and villages tend to be located along the river and at the foot of the Pennine scarp, their origins and development reflecting the long history of occupation in the Valley; settlements tend to be locally distinctive and visually attractive, constructed using the local new red sandstone and roofed with green Westmorland slate.

The NCA contains a large number of farmhouses dating from the 17th century or earlier, many of which carry date stones.

Considerable numbers of ancient field systems remain around the mainly medieval historic nucleated settlements.

A landscape of significant tranquillity, accentuated by extensive views from within, of adjoining uplands, particular from the sandstone ridges, contrasting with the farmed landscape of the valley itself.

The lowland agricultural landscape of this NCA acts as a foil for its neighbouring uplands which are nationally designated landscapes.

The upland areas are viewed from the lowlands and vice versa; the sandstone ridges, together with roads and railway provide the most frequent viewpoints from within the NCA.

Some 72 per cent of the area is still classified as undisturbed in CPRE’s intrusion map, despite the impacts of major roads and the expansion of towns, with the sense of tranquillity and calm heightened by the river and the surrounding fells.

The areas of dark night skies have shrunk considerably since 1990, largely due to expanding settlement on the valley floor, especially around Penrith and Appleby-in-Westmorland.

Tourism is increasingly important to the local economy.

A long history of human occupation evidenced in numerous remains, including prehistoric stone circles, earthworks of early settlements and surrounding field systems, Roman forts, 10th century castles and parkland, and an impressive railway heritage of bridges and viaducts.

Historical continuity is a key feature in this landscape, a result of its suitability for agriculture, proximity to the Scottish border and use as a transport corridor. Where they survive, visible archaeological features enable us to connect with the historical development of this landscape.

There are numerous Neolithic monuments within the valley, such as Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, and King Arthur’s Round Table and Mayburgh henges. These imply that the valley was an important early focus and/or communication line.

Some of the largest concentrations of native Romano-British settlements in the county are found on the raised margins above the valley floor.

The topography of valley has encouraged its use as a primary line of communication, both north-south and east-west. There are numerous defensive sites within the valley to protect this communication route, including a line of Roman forts at Brough, Kirkby Thore, Brougham, Old Penrith, and Carlisle, which follow the lines of Roman roads from the Stainmore Gap through to Carlisle. Some of these important defensive points were reoccupied in the medieval period, with castles at Brough, Brougham and Carlisle.

Bridges, many of which are listed, are notable features in this valley NCA.



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Ecosystem Service Analysis The following section shows the analysis used to determine key Ecosystem Service Opportunities within the area. These opportunities have been combined with the analysis of landscape opportunities to create Statements of Environmental Opportunity.

Service

Assets / attributes: main contributors to

service

State Main

beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Principal services offered

by opportunities

Sense of place inspiration

Landform (including the sandstone ridges and neighbouring upland areas) River Eden and tributaries Landcover, particularly woodland and heath Sandstone building stone

Sense of place largely defined by the distinct valley landform and framing views of the ‘fells’ beyond. Valued features of this landscape are the juxtaposition of the fertile settled valley against the imposing fells which surround it, the River Eden, the Eden Sandstone Gorge at Lazonby, the fertility of the land, the stone wall field boundaries, the towns and villages of the valley, and its rich history and heritage.

Regional A strongly inspirational landscape responding to ‘borrowed’ views to the surrounding higher ground, changes in colour through the seasons and a constant change in the views in response to the weather. The Eden Gorge provides drama in contrast to the perceived gentle character of the valley.

Maintain the contrast between the rugged fells to east and west and the managed farmed landscape of the Eden Valley with its well-wooded character, hedgerows, estate shelterbelts and riparian woodland, and red sandstone walls over the sandstone ridge. Maintain long views to the fells from the main settlements and main vantage points within the Eden Valley. Protect and where possible enhance natural features and processes, particularly those associated with the rivers and flood plain. Ensure that new developments and changes in land use are successfully integrated into the landscape, that they respect historic settlement and field patterns and vernacular features, make a positive contribution to ecological networks, and do not compromise the rural character of this landscape. Opportunities exist to promote the calming and restorative effect that contact with tranquil and sensory environments have on health and wellbeing. Protect areas classified on Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) maps as ‘undisturbed’ from further intrusion.

Sense of place / inspiration Sense of history Tranquillity Biodiversity Geodiversity


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Service

Assets / attributes: main contributors to

service

State Main

beneficiary Analysis Opportunities

Principal services offered

by opportunities

Tranquility Landform, including surrounding fells River Eden and tributaries Woodland

According to the CPRE Intrusion Map (2007) 71 per cent of the area is classed as ‘undisturbed’. Notably, there has been a 23 per cent decline in the undisturbed area between the 1960s and 2007.

Regional A landscape with a strong sense of tranquillity and calm, heightened by the river and surrounding fells. The area of disturbance on the CPRE maps are associated with the urban areas of Penrith and Appleby-in-Westmorland, and the major road corridors of the M6, A6 and A66 which follow the line of the valley.

Seek to contain further disturbance associated with the main transport corridors and settlements through enhanced screening by semi-natural vegetation, particularly where the main roads cross the valley, enhancing habitat networks and strengthening landscape structure and character. Minimise light spill through careful lighting design, particularly in areas classed as ‘undisturbed’ on the CPRE intrusion maps. Manage woodlands and parklands, extending and linking these to enhance local sense of enclosure and tranquillity within the valley. Make suitable provision for visitors to access a landscape where they can be inspired and experience the feeling of escapism. Work with land managers to improve the quality of the River Eden and restore semi-natural riparian habitat.

Tranquillity Regulating water quality Sense of place / inspiration Biodiversity



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Cumbria Action ~ Parish Profile 2013 The Cumbria Action Parish Profile provides a similar picture of the peaceful and tranquil nature of Ainstable parish in their Parish Profile - Oct 2013.

What does a sustainable community look like? Environmentally sensitive, providing places for people to live that are considerate of the environment

What do sustainable communities offer?

Actively seek to minimise climate change, including through energy efficiency and the use of renewables;

Protect the environment, by minimising pollution on land, in water and in the air;

Minimise waste and dispose of it in accordance with current good practice;

Make efficient use of natural resources, encouraging sustainable production and consumption;

Protect and improve bio-diversity (e.g. wildlife habitats);

Enable a lifestyle that minimises negative environmental impact and enhances positive impacts (e.g. by creating opportunities for walking and cycling, and reducing noise pollution and dependence on cars);

Create cleaner, safer and greener neighbourhoods (e.g. by reducing litter and graffiti, and maintaining pleasant public spaces).

Environmental: Quality of the local environment The local environment can play a major role in quality of life in rural communities, and conserving and improving the quality of the environment is a priority in many community plans. Concerns often relate to local issues such as physical environment, including fly tipping, graffiti etc, environmental sustainability, including recycling, renewable energy use, and the built environment, including the character of housing developments. Wider issues can also be raised, such as actions to tackle climate change.

Cumbria Action– Ainstable Parish Profile – 2013

Parish Council Comment Ainstable parish is in the heart on one of the most tranquil, unspoilt and peaceful parts of Cumbria. It is these qualities that Natural England and the Campaign for Rural England seek to protect, and that Cumbria Action has recognised in the parish profile. The parish has a thriving local community, and supports a range of local industries, but it is very quiet and that is one of the main reasons for the growth and development of one of our most important local employment opportunities.

Population Profile Ainstable parish has a healthy and stable population which closely mirrors Cumbria and the national profile. We do tend to be a couple of years older than national figures at present, but due to the small population size this changes rapidly with each birth or death.


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Employment Rural areas can have specific employment issues, and do need to be carefully managed to try and maintain the population in sustainable employment. We do not have major industries within Ainstable parish, but we do currently have a very high employment level. Part of our problem as a parish though is in developing and providing employment opportunities within the parish wherever possible.

The most up to date figures come from the Cumbria Action – Ainstable Parish Profile 2013 which is based on the 2011 census data. There has been some change to these figures, particularly in the growth of the tourist industry in this part of the Eden valley.

Employment Figures – 2011 Census The following data is taken from the Cumbria Action – Ainstable Parish Profile 2013.

Employees by Industrial Sector Location Ainstable Eden England

No Rate Rate Rate Agriculture, forestry & fishing Local 45 14.6 8.1 0.8 Mining & quarrying - 00 0.6 0.4 0.2 Manufacturing Commuter 10 2.9 6.6 8.9 Electricity, gas - 00 0.3 0.3 0.6 Water supply; waste management - 00 0.3 0.8 0.7 Construction Local 40 12.3 10.0 7.7 Retail Commuter 35 11.7 16.2 15.9 Transport & storage Commuter 10 2.6 4.9 5.0 Accommodation & food service Local 25 / 35 7.5 11.3 5.6 Information & communication Partial 05 1.6 1.3 4.1 Financial & insurance activities Commuter 05 1.9 1.4 4.4 Real estate activities Commuter 05 1.0 1.3 1.5 Professional, scientific & technical Commuter 15 4.2 4.8 6.7 Administrative & support service Commuter 10 2.9 3.7 4.9 Public administration & defence Commuter 20 7.1 5.2 5.9 Education Commuter 25 8.8 8.9 9.9 Human health & social work activities Commuter 45 15.3 9.9 12.4 Other sectors Partial 15 4.2 4.7 5.0

There are typically fewer jobs in rural areas than urban, and those local jobs are often lower-paid than their urban counterparts. Many rural communities act as “commuter villages”, providing a higher quality of life for residents who commute to urban areas for work (although there can also be large numbers of people working from home).

Understanding how far people travel to work may help identify actions based on potential demand for local employment. For example, some communities may identify priorities to support local businesses and develop more opportunities for local employment, which could include actions such as supporting local planning applications for appropriate business premises or small business parks.

Cumbria Action Plan – Ainstable Parish Profile – 2013

Tourism has seen a large growth due to the very successful development the Heather Glen Hotel, the refurbishment of hotels in Armathwaite, the successful marketing of the Faugh Head campsite, and the increased number of holiday cottages within the parish. Tourism within Ainstable parish is not like some of the Lake District style honey pot areas, but does reflect the quieter and gentler styles of tourism developing in the remoter parts of Cumbria and the UK.


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Our visitors come to the area for the peaceful and tranquil nature of the environment. They typically stay for long weekends, though some holiday cottage owners are now reporting a steady rise in longer bookings. These visitors will use local shops for supplies, and tend to eat out most nights in the local hotels.

Current employment estimates for tourism include 35 full time equivalent jobs within the parish. This places tourism second only to agriculture in employment, and in particular local employment. Many of these jobs are part time, but many households do rely on this income and could not afford to lose these jobs.

Parish Council Comment A substantial part of the working population living in Ainstable parish are involved in working outside of the immediate area. The parish council is keen to try and develop more local employment, and has been supportive of ventures which generate genuine local employment opportunities. This has been particularly successful in tourism with the parish council supporting the re-establishment of hotels, and the development of self-catering accommodation within the parish.

The parish council is particularly keen to see low level tourism developed further as a way of attracting income into the area. Employment in this field suits many local people looking for part time or additional work, and lends itself to farms and households looking to diversify and develop additional income streams. The parish council is strongly opposed to any changes or developments that may threaten this important, and thriving, sector of our local economy.

ainstable - eden district

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