Residents in Burneside, near Kendal, have one final chance to influence proposed 20mph speed limits, with a 21-day statutory consultation now under way. Westmorland and Furness Council will consider the responses before deciding whether the amended scheme should go ahead later in 2026.
The consultation relates to the scheme’s detailed Traffic Regulation Order. It is the last formal opportunity for people to comment on the revised design before any new speed limits could be introduced.
Residents can respond using the council’s consultation information, stating whether they support or oppose the proposals. Their views will be considered before the council reaches its final decision.
What is proposed in Burneside?
The Burneside scheme was amended following feedback from an earlier community consultation. The announcement supplied by Kendal Report does not include the detailed amended layout, so residents will need to check the council’s consultation information for the full order and the proposed changes.
The statutory consultation allows people to add further comments and restate their position on the revised proposals. The council said: “We would like to thank everybody who responded to the initial engagement and helped shape these 20mph schemes to reflect local need.”
A council spokesperson added: “This statutory consultation is a necessary step and is a further opportunity for residents to add their views and emphasise their position.”
Westmorland and Furness Council says its wider 20mph programme is intended for built-up towns and villages where the existing maximum speed limit is 40mph or less. It says the schemes have been designed in line with Department for Transport guidance, with the stated aim of creating safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Part of a wider Westmorland and Furness programme
Burneside is one of 17 community-backed proposals in the third phase of the council’s wider 20mph programme. Eleven phase-three schemes are progressing as originally proposed, while six, including Burneside, are moving forward with amendments.
Nine other proposed schemes will not proceed because the required level of demonstrated support was not received.
In South Lakeland, High Carley and Pennington, Lowick Green and Outgate are progressing without amendments. Burneside, Grasmere and Ulverston are progressing with changes. The Ulverston amendments include Soutergate, part of Town Bank Road, Rake Lane and Oakwood Drive.
Proposals for Elterwater, Rydal, Troutbeck and Windermere are not being taken forward because respondents did not demonstrate the required level of support.
When will the council decide?
Westmorland and Furness Council introduced a streamlined process for 20mph applications in December 2023. The council said the change made it easier and quicker for communities to submit requests and reduced the application process by several months.
Since then, 49 requests have been made, covering 79 proposed schemes across Westmorland and Furness. The phase-three proposals were first considered by the Eden, Furness and South Lakeland locality boards after communities supported them during the initial consultation.
A decision on whether the Burneside scheme will be implemented is expected later in 2026, after the statutory consultation has ended.