Community Gathers to Address Concerns Over Unauthorised Work on North Cumbrian Land

A large group of local people attended a public meeting after reports emerged that unauthorised activity was taking place on a plot of land on the west side of Whites Cut, Midgeholme, near Brampton.
Concerns started when an excavator arrived on the site last month. Following complaints from residents the landowner agreed to halt all work while discussions took place with representatives from various authorities.
The land was purchased at auction last November by Michael Newberry from Newcastle Upon Tyne for around £30,000 after additional fees were added to the purchase price. He told reporters that his intention had been to improve the neglected area and that he believed planning permission was not required for the work he began.
Mr Newberry described his efforts as routine maintenance work to clear four blocked watercourses. At the meeting he apologised for the disruption caused and said he had moved more material than planned. He also offered to sell the site to the local community but said his suggestion was not taken up.
The land contains part of the historic Lord Carlisle’s railway route which dates back to the 1770s and is currently used as a public footpath. Mr Newberry offered an additional strip of land that could be developed into a footpath and cycle route to ensure continued public access.
Councillor Roger Dobson highlighted that the land is within an area of outstanding natural beauty and close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest. He stressed that any works on the site require planning permission and that there is no permitted development rights in place.
Cllr Dobson also noted the area’s history with former coal mines and warned that further ground investigations would be necessary before any development could proceed. He said that if further unauthorised work occurred, the council would move to issue a temporary stop notice which could result in criminal charges for anyone undertaking further work.
The council is coordinating with several agencies and wants to ensure no more activity takes place until clear plans are agreed. Cllr Dobson said efforts are being made with the local community to establish the former railway line as a public right of way and to nominate the land as a community asset to provide additional protections.
Local residents turned out in impressive numbers despite cold and snowy conditions, underlining strong community interest in the future of the land.
He expressed disappointment that the previous landowners did not consult the community before selling and confirmed that ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure no further unauthorised work is carried out.