Up to date information on Whinlatter Latest devlopments on the project |
The Whinlatter noticeboard
 towards formal submission |
| The second round of planning meetings has concluded, along with the traffic flow & parking counts from over the extended Easter period. All the outstanding data required for brining the project into focus, based upon the variety of specialist recommendations, is to be gathered by the middle of May so that planning & funding submissions can be submitted by early June. Following these submissions a twin track process kicks in:- 1st, there are a number of technical considerations to judge the internal cohesion of the project and the accuracy of the data; 2nd, there is a statutory period of public consultation for all plans and proposals. This provides interested individuals & organisations with the opportunity to make representation to the Lake District National Park Planning Authority. When this consultation period begins all the relevant details will be placed and referenced from here as well as publicised in the press and displayed at the usual locations. Also, there will be a summary of the project, an outline of the representation process, and the likely time scales, etc. For those who wish to make representation in regard to this project it is crucial that it occurs at very particular times & with due process. Advice on how to do this will be posted here. So, stay in touch and watch this space |
| This item added: 20 Apr 2004 |
| We're getting there! |
| The round of 1st draft business plan meetings are now complete and the detailed amendments, requirements, and specifications are now being worked on. The timeframe is now starting to come into greater focus and we are intending to hand over the completed business plan to Forest Enterprise in mid-April. Following this, the formal planning application, funding applications, and tendering processes will be started. From then on, it is quite difficult to predict, with any real certainty, just when the first sod is cut or tree felled but this will be the place you hear it first! One of the many difficulties with these development processes is bringing all the essential elements on-stream at each appropriate part of the build phase. But, for those of you who are simply waiting for some state-of-the-art purpose built singletrack, don’t forget there’s plenty of top class natural stuff about round here. And, while you await this development don’t be idle; let us know that you want it and get all your friends to do the same. Stay in touch; they need to know you’re out there Now, hit that reply button! |
| This item added: 12 Mar 2004 |
| Business Plan |
| Big day:- we’ve just handed over the 1st draft of the business plan to Forest Enterprise and the lead funding Officer. This includes all the ‘independent specialist consultants’ impact reports on the economic, environmental, and traffic aspects of the project. The concept paper on the interpretation project to support increased access for new audiences. And, of course, all the trail details and costings. Just to give some indication of the extent of the background research the ground survey runs to over 35 A3 sheets alone:- that’s without costings, route summaries, architect drawings, spatial surveys . .. ... So, what next? well, meetings are now scheduled over the next two weeks for feedback on the project structure and the fund portfolio breakdown. When this is agreed, and the final cost, drawings, and studies are in, the project will be prepared for formal planning approval and funding requests. It is at this point that the whole project will, once again, be made available for public consultation. And, of course, details will be posted here:- downloads, links, and references. In fact, continued consultation is still happening with some organisations and authorities who requested more detailed briefings during this second phase. These include conservation groups, wildlife organisations, and local councils. Their input into the planning stages should help to design out concerns and include practical suggestions based on more extensive experience. Keep in touch |
| This item added: 13 Feb 2004 |
| Proceedings proceed |
| Quite a landmark has just been passed with the completion of the first template for the Business Plan. It’s now out to the Associates Group (having grown to 9 specialists in all) for some scrutiny. The process is now taking shape with spatial surveys, impact assessments, interpretation site visits, all coming in with each passing week. It must seem rather slow and too some extent boring to wait for but it’s rather hectic to try and juggle all these elements at once. Forest Enterprise shall receive the 1st draft by the end of this month for their detailed consideration. Once agreed, it goes to funding agencies and planning. It’s at that stage that we may be able to answer the most popular question in mtb; when will it happen!? Believe us, if we knew we would tell. Rest assured, you’ll hear it here first. |
| This item added: 23 Jan 2004 |
| pre-xmas |
| The business planning phase is gathering pace with specialist consultant reports starting to arrive; plenty of xmas reading there then. Also, the second Whinlatter forum has come to pass with a lively and engaging debate of the projects merits and constraints. It was great to see mtb’ers and village residents talking openly about their concerns and expectations. By the end, both camps did seem to regard the other as a little less demonic. Well, as your suggestions for the trail club name are, quite simply, . .. ... we shall keep the bike bits for another occasion. However, the north shore debate has been resolved. There will be elements incorporated into each grade of trail and the club will have a budget to build any specialist areas if demand and/or enthusiasm sweeps by. The whole trail system has now been walked and measured; accurate lengths and % statistics will follow shortly. Also, when we are able to post a suitable time scale we will; it is just too fluent at present to answer this most persistent question. Please, believe us, it is not for want of trying; it is just too dependent on planning and funding committee cycles to predict with any degree of accuracy. What is not in doubt, though, is the continued commitment of Forest Enterprise to see this project through to conclusion. Wishing you a happy xmas |
| This item added: 19 Dec 2003 |
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