Road upgrade could bring huge benefits to Penrith

Plans for a revamp of the A66 are at the centre of a vision designed to transport residents' into a smart and sustainable future for this part of the county.

In his Autumn Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced plans to dual the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner.

Eden Council leader Kevin Beaty told The Cumberland News: "The announcement that the A66 will be upgraded opens the door to bring in huge opportunities for Penrith and the wider area.

"We believe it will enable us to tap into the £20 billion investment in nuclear on Cumbria's west coast.

"We have never been better placed to generate ideas to transform the area, to support the local economy, provide employment or find housing solutions."

A draft wish-list drawn up by councillors paints a picture of Penrith being able to attract higher-end jobs, which in turn could lead to thousands of new homes springing up in the district over the 30 years.

These new estates could see new schools, doctors' surgeries, shops, village halls and village greens.

While house-building is a key feature of the plan, councillors say the vision would change the face of the high street.

"If the town centre is to survive in the future, we need to attract more people to live here and more visitors," said Mr Beaty.

"People do not want the town centre to stagnate.

"They want it to become a vibrant place.

"It has to change, but it can be done sympathetically.

"Penrith has many historic buildings. But we are losing post offices, buses, banks and care homes.

"We need to ensure our market towns and rural areas are thriving well into the future," added Mr Beaty.

David Whipp, chairman of Penrith Town Council and town mayor, said: "If we don't do anything and miss this opportunity, it could be a long time, if ever, it will come again."

"The ability to plan further can place Eden district in the best possible position to grasp opportunities as they present themselves," added Mr Beaty.

Last year Eden was one of only 17 areas in the country to be awarded Food Enterprise Status by Defra, which earned £50,000 of funding.

This has led to the area's main four towns, Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Alston and Penrith, being earmarked for plans creating opportunities for existing and new businesses.

Eden councillors hope the proposals will benefit existing small independent businesses who want to grow, and also attract multi-global food companies to the area.

It is hoped the new food hub will unleash food entrepreneurs, bring together researchers, farmers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

The overall long-term vision also includes plans for the council to pitch for a new north-east bypass of Penrith town centre.

"This would help ease the current congestion problems at Junction 40," said Eden councillor Michael Slee, leader of the Conservatives.

"Our leader has made a lot of contacts in London and when asking for funding, and we are talking about massive amounts of funding, we want them to remember us," said Mr Slee.

Councillors hope their vision will spark the imagination of the people who live, work and play in the Eden valley.

"We want to know what sort of town and district residents' want it to be," said Mr Whipp.

"The vision cannot be achieved without working in close partnership with other agencies, organisations and businesses in the area.

"The district council, and the respective town and parish councils in Eden, do not on their own have the resources or the authority to meet the needs of the district, but by working collaboratively with each other, much can be achieved," said Eden councillor Scott Jackson, deputy Mayor of Penrith.

Eden's emerging Local Plan looks to the future of the area until 2032. It sets out where new homes and jobs can be created.

This document is due to be adopted next year but, according to Mr Slee, a longer term vision for Eden's future needs developing.

"To meet future needs we can no longer rely on incremental economic growth and piecemeal responses to evolving demands," he said.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Eden Council, Virginia Taylor, said the plan would also look at long-term health needs for the area.

"We want to offer integrated care in our communities. We really need to start to plan these things."

Mary Robinson, leader of the independent group on Eden Council, said it was vital to start a conversation with residents on what they would like to see for the area up until 2050.

"The conversation will also have to be with some of the young people who are not voting age, but will in the future be looking for work and homes," she said.

"We need to build a district that meets their needs and that of their families."

She added: "We have to overcome transport issues in Penrith and district.

"You have to have the roads. We have to think big and the unthinkable. We have to get people to think outside the box."

"The sky's the limit. Opportunities exist for Eden and we want to maximise everything we can. We want to take the people with us," said Mr Whipp.