PLANS to improve the environment around the boat hire and swimming sections of an activity centre in Windermere are set to be given the green light in a bid to manage the increase in popularity of the site. 

Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority are set to approve the proposals for Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre on Wednesday (December 6) which aim to ‘protect the sensitive environment of this area from further damage’.

Proposals include construction of a new timber jetty for ease of access to the boats with electric charging points as well as the refurbishment and lowering of the existing jetty to improve accessibility.

Other plans include the introduction of a new flood defence feature which includes seating terraces and steps/ramps as well as the creation of management zones within the water to improve public safety.

Annually over 300,000 people visit the centre, and the site hosts the Great North Swim.

Planning documents state: “The purpose of the proposals is to provide improved access to the lake for boats and members of the public, to protect the lakeshore from further erosion and to enhance the recreational and aesthetic value of the lake.”

However, the proposals have proved controversial and faced objections from some local residents as well as the Lakes Parish Council.

According to a report prepared for this meeting, the Lakes Parish Council state: “It will have an increased and unacceptable impact on the amenity of adjoining residents due to visual intrusion, the overbearing nature of increased commercial activity and noise pollution.”

“The council understands that due to a high number of visitors, the shore has sustained damage, exposing tree roots and eroding the soft banking - however, a more sensitive and sympathetic approach should be taken to heal these areas rather than further development in this area”, the report adds.

However, planning officers recommend the approval of the application and the report concludes: “The proposals would create a more resilient site leading to visual improvements at close quarters and limited visual impact at distance.

“There would be some adverse impact on heritage assets resulting from the shift from undeveloped to hard shoreline margins, however this is outweighed by the improvements to the site’s appearance.”

Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority are set to approve the plans when they meet on Wednesday (December 6) at Murley Moss in Kendal.