Published: 07/04/2020
A NEW beach cafe for Silecroft has moved a step nearer with the submission of an application to National Park planners.
The application, to build a permanent single-storey cafe on the picturesque shore-side, has been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority, the planning authority for developments within the park.
Copeland Mayor Mike Starkie said: “The café will be part of an incredible visitor experience as Copeland tourism re-emerges after the health crisis, and goes from strength to strength.”
The cafe, which will replace an existing temporary structure, is part of the Connecting Cumbria's Hidden Coast project - a series of attractions and improvements to the footpaths along Copeland's coast.
Because of the current health crisis, it is not known when planners will discuss the application.
Copeland Mayor, Mike Starkie, said: "It's the next step and it brings this lovely attraction nearer reality. Obviously lots of other things are going on at the moment, but we're glad this application has been put together and submitted. We don't know when the decision will be taken, but our fingers are crossed. We feel it's a sound development that will just add to the attraction of this stunning coast.
"When this crisis is over people will be looking to get out and about together and enjoy our amazing scenery. This cafe, and the Hidden Coast project generally, will be vital in that process."
Architects Konishi Gaffney have designed the new cafe, incorporating courtyards to protect from the weather, and unrivalled views to Black combe and the sea.
The vision for a cafe was in Silecroft's Community Plan in 2011, and has been supported by Copeland Borough Council. The community led the creation of a temporary cafe in 2017, the success of which led to plans for the permanent building.
The Connecting Cumbria's Hidden Coast programme is funded by more than £1m from the Government's Coastal Communities Fund and £600,000 from Sellafield Ltd. It includes wider improvements and capital projects including a the new cafe, a climbing wall at Muncaster Castle, 1.4km of new cycle path and 1.8km of new and improved footpaths.
