Carlisle District Local Plan.indd - Carlisle City Council

Carlisle District Local Plan 2001 - 2016 Revised Redeposit draftPOLICY EC15 Tourism DevelopmentPriority will be given for tourism related development in the City of Carlisle inaccordance with Structure Plan Policy EM15. Proposals will be supported in Carlisle andelsewhere where they contribute towards the economic and physical regeneration of anarea provided that the following criteria are met:1. The scale and design of the development are compatible with the surroundingarea; and2. There would be no unacceptable adverse impact on the landscape/townscape;and3. Adequate access by a choice of means of transport and appropriate car parkingcan be achieved; and4. The level of traffic generated can be adequately accommodated within the localroad network without detriment to the particular rural character of the area; and5. If the proposal is within the rural area it is well related to an establishedsettlement or group of buildings, or would form an important element of a farmdiversification scheme; and6. The distinctive environment, culture and history of the area are safeguarded.Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site is a major attraction for sustainable tourism andproposals for new tourism development which aim to promote the enjoyment andunderstanding of the WHS whilst meeting the above criteria will be permitted.Could be strengthened by promoting the distinctive environment, culture and history ofthe area as a tourist attraction.Opportunities for promoting sustainable transport to the tourist industry.Could promote the use of sustainable design and construction techniques (See PoliciesCP4, CP6, CP15).4.54 Tourism development will be considered favourably where it will assist in the economic andphysical regeneration of an area and be of benefit to the local community.4.55 The tourist industry is of major importance both at a national and local level generatingeconomic prosperity and employment. Carlisle City Council recognises the value oftourism and actively seeks to promote it. However, it must be recognised that to ensuresustainability, care must be taken to protect the broader fabric upon which the touristindustry depends such as our heritage, culture and natural landscape. Therefore, proposalswill generally be most acceptable where they have the least environmental impact andmaximum economic benefit. Guidance in RPG 13 Policy EC9 highlights the need for LocalPlans to encourage the growth of and investment in tourism within the north west.4.56 The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway opened inMay 2003. Some 27 miles out of the total path length of 84 miles lie within the District. It isestimated that the Trail will generate annual income of £7 million for adjoining economiesby 2008. During the first year since opening, 3152 visitors walked the length of the Trail,41% of these started in the west, mostly arriving through Carlisle Railway Station. There maybe opportunities for the provision of new facilities close to the Trail, particularly refreshmentfacilities, toilet blocks, car parks and accommodation.September 2006 61