Chance to quiz bosses of national park homes plan

Plans include a new housing development on land off Thwaites Lane in Windermere

Plans to build hundreds of new homes inside a national park are due to go on display, with a chance for residents to quiz those behind the project.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), Westmorland and Furness Council, housing developer Urban Splash and the National Trust are holding drop-in sessions on the Windermere Gateway project.

A total of 242 homes would be built on land off Thwaites Lane. All properties are proposed to have a local occupancy clause, with at least 133 affordable. Critics have expressed concerns over the landscape.

The drop-in sessions are planned for Friday between 14:00 BST and 20:00, and Saturday between 10:00 and 15:00 at the Marchesi Centre.

There will be presentations from all of those involved in the project, with question and answer sessions.

'Funding and backing needed'

Those behind the project say it will "unlock opportunities" for jobs, sustainable transport and "much needed" homes.

All aspects of the project need to gain planning approval.

The plans also include work on the railway line to increase train frequency, a transport hub and a new site for offices.

Backers have said the Windermere Gateway would be "the most significant" housing project inside the Lake District National Park.

"It will represent the greatest opportunity for affordable homes delivered at this scale," they added.

The housing estate would be built at a site known as Orrest Head farm, near the Lakeland shop site, on land owned by the National Trust.

The charity would move its office from Grasmere to a new purpose-built office there.

"Significant funding" and government backing are needed to create a new passing loop on the railway line, the partners said.

This would allow trains to be increased to two an hour and would tie in with plans for a new transport hub to boost walking and cycling connections, as well as public transport use.