Millom nature reserve parking charge update after welcome centre plans

Plans were submitted in August of this year by Cumberland Council to create a welcome building, walkways and art installations as part of a project to transform the Hodbarrow Nature Reserve at Millom.

The authority insists the project will help attract more visitors, enhance the local economy, alongside increasing levels of health and wellbeing.

As part of the planning application, a document was submitted for Hodbarrow car park in which a pay machine was included. 

The council has now confirmed the charging for parking refers only to the new proposed car park associated with the visitor centre which is a new build, subject to planning approval, and is not the same as charging to visit Hodbarrow itself.

A spokesperson said: "The planning application seeks permission to create a new welcome centre at the location with a cafe and bar, retail area and events room created with adjacent car parking, access and landscaping.

"It is proposed that visitors to the welcome building will use the car park which will include disabled parking spaces, EV charging facilities and bicycle storage. 

"A pay and display machine would be operational upon completion of the project and in line with car parks for similar attractions across the area. Income from parking charges in the new purpose built car park will enable the new elements provided as part of the wider scheme to be sustainable."

Dave Blackledge, site manager at RSPB Hodbarrow, said: "Introducing a car parking charge is an option to be considered though it is by no means decided upon and it’s likely there will be discussions about this later next year.  

"For the time being parking will remain free of charge. We’re committed to our conservation and restoration work at RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve, to help ensure it is a place that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come."