Outdoor changing area for walkers approved

Stickle Ghyll car park, Ambleside, is a popular site used by walkers and groups

An outdoor changing area for walkers and ghyll scramblers is being created at a popular Lake District site.

The National Trust has been given permission to put six cubicles, using hazel wood screening, in Stickle Ghyll car park, Ambleside.

It said the area is used by education, school and community groups who currently have nowhere to safely change.

The Lake District National Park Authority approved the plans, which also have ropes hanging between wooden poles to create a drying line.

Natural screening will be used at the site in Langdale, Ambleside

Those behind the plans said groups often set up "ad hoc" changing tents in the car park area, due to a lack of facilities.

"This is not ideal for these groups in terms of safety (i.e. proximity to vehicles) and safeguarding but can also impact other visitors as a result of it being unsightly and in the way of a number of walking routes," a design and access statement said.

“The aim of this small project is to create a low-key changing and equipment area that helps solves some of the above issues and in turn improve the experience for both the organised groups and general visitors.”

A report by planning officers said the proposals are intended to formalise and "tidy up" an activity which already occurs.

The plans were approved last Wednesday.