A public debate is set to take place regarding the Windermere Gateway project.

The multi-million pound plans aim to tackle traffic flow, improve the town’s railway station and create affordable homes for local people.

Proposals include the upgrade of two junctions on the A591 at Thwaites Lane and High Street to improve traffic flow, and a new vehicle access route to Windermere station.

The debate will take place on Thursday, April 18 at 7pm at the Windermere Hotel.

Panelists will include:

  • MP Tim Farron MP
  • Jez Westgarth, a representative from the National Trust
  • Councillors Andrew Jarvis and Christine Cook
  • Miguel Sanchez representing the local business
  • James Gorton who is representing local interests and concerns.

The Mail:

Organiser Tim Keenan said: "At the start of the debate I will make a short speech on why the meeting has been called and will introduce the panelists and to set the tone.

"Any panelist who'd like to make a brief opening statement will have opportunity to do so before the debate starts.

"The host, Kylie Atherton, will then start the debate with the first question."

Questions that will be asked include:

  • During the reworking of the highways to facilitate the building of the gateway project, what will be done to negate its impact on the existing traffic problems in the area?
  • The proposed project would potentially greatly impact on local ecosystems, biodiversity and could also increase local pollution and flooding problems. How will the building of this project safeguard and enhance this UNESCO world heritage site?
  • From just two holiday let companies, there are over 400 properties to choose from in the Bowness and Windermere area. There are local people who have had to leave the area or live in homeless hostels with new born babies due to the lack of affordable housing in the area. How will the project address the local housing crisis?
  • Given the problems faced by local people, such as the potholes in the roads, a sewage system that regularly pumps raw effluent into the lake, insufficient parking and oversubscribed doctors and dentists, how will the gateway project impact on an already overloaded infrastructure? 
  • What will the proposed employment hub bring to the area and how will the project address the current staffing problems faced by local businesses?
  • Given that the new housing development in Ulverston have just stated they cannot afford to build the social housing that was promised in the planning, what guarantees do local people have that the same won't happen with the gateway project?".

The dining room will be used for the debate and will have seating for 60 to 70 people.

The standing area at the back of the room can fit another 30 people.