'Eyesore' dairy in Lake District to be tore down
Plans have been approved to tear down a 1950's dairy at High Hampsfield Farm
Approval has been given to tear down an ‘eyesore’ dairy that ‘blights’ the rest of a Lake District farmyard.
The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has approved plans to demolish and replace a 1950’s dairy at High Hampsfield Farm.
The proposal, lodged by Mr Pimblett, was approved on October 21.
According to planning documents, a former LDNPA conservation officer suggested that the dairy should be demolished as it was an ‘eyesore in a picturesque farmyard setting’.
The dairy consists of a ‘rendered block outshut building with a single pitch asbestos sheet roof’.
The application reads: “The building is not suitable for continued use, particularly as the asbestos sheets are leaking.”
It continues: “Lack of insulation also results in very high condensation levels.
“The existing building has no architectural value and also blights the adjacent listed buildings.”
The proposed replacement aims to provide ‘a weather and vermin proof, secure and appropriate freezer room’ that is ‘sympathetic to the barn and farmhouse’.
Later, the application reads that the new building would be following the example of a previous extension on the farm by ‘creating a beneficial space within an aesthetically pleasing design’ and ‘enhancing the overall appearance of the farmyard vista’.
The application reads: “The use of high-quality materials and skilful construction will produce a high quality building which will complement its surroundings for generations.”
It continues: “Also, from a health standpoint, safe removal of the asbestos roof and disposal through the SLDC waste and recycling site at Kendal is exceptionally desirable. I do not believe there are any negatives to this proposed project.”
The farm itself is located within the Lake District National Park World Heritage Site is home to a grade-II listed barn and farmhouse.
The application reads: “The public have access through the farmyard and enjoy the opportunity to appreciate the architectural value of the buildings.
“Tourists from around the world pass through the farm and comment on the high visual quality of the buildings.”