A transformational development.......

• Exemplar modern landscaped Business Park: with high value knowledge based employment
• Best practice modern buildings: sustainable and environmentally aware 
• Recognisable destination point: culture change catalyst for personal travel behaviour within the LDNP beyond  
• High impact Low Carbon initiative response

Ratherheath is a unique opportunity to provide much needed high quality employment land without detracting from the landscape, whilst at the same time benefiting the overall environmental quality of the Lake District National Park. The attributes of the site are its location in the heart of the major economic sub-region, its size and ease of connectivity to the major transport routes. The vision for the site is for low density high quality environmentally sensitive buildings set in Lakeland parkland. Development of the site will enable the Lake District to have a memorable destination entrance point beyond which initiatives such as carbon awareness can be promoted to enhance the unique outstanding value of the spectacular landscape. The active participation of Stagecoach at Ratherheath will ensure an informed sustainable public transport system is focussed on the site serving both local communities and visitors. With collaborative participation Ratherheath could contribute to the Lake District vision of a prosperous economy, vibrant communities, and world class visitor experience in a spectacular landscape.

The Ratherheath Partnership, W.McClure Ltd., Stagecoach, Stonecraft Design and Peill and Co. submitted a validated planning application on 13th November 2009.  The application seeks to satisfy the major ambitions of the Vision for the Lake District National Park and its Business Plan in one transformational step change. In summary the application comprises of a major strategic employment site, on whose infrastructure will be founded a major modal transfer facility. The site access and egress arrangements have been designed to create a signature destination entrance point to the Lake District. The vision of the development is to stimulate a beneficial cultural change in the way the Lake District is perceived and experienced, enhancing its unique outstanding value for both its existing communities and visitors.

As the citation of the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan: Examination In Public 2004 -Supporting the Economy clearly states:  

"Whilst recognising that the Plan is more about regulation than promotion, there is still plenty of scope for getting the bigger vision for the county across, and we consider that this could be assisted by including greater reference to flagship economic and tourism projects."