A proposed 20mph speed-limit scheme for Burneside, near Kendal, has moved to the statutory consultation stage, giving local residents a final opportunity to comment before a decision is made on implementation.
The Burneside proposal is one of 17 community-backed schemes being considered in the third phase of Westmorland and Furness Council’s 20mph programme. It is listed among the South Lakeland schemes being taken forward with amendments after feedback during an initial consultation.
The statutory consultation for the South Lakeland Traffic Regulation Orders is now open and will run for 21 days. The legal process covers the proposed changes to speed limits and allows residents to respond to the detailed final design.
What is proposed for Burneside?
The council has not included the detailed amended layout for Burneside in the supplied announcement. It says, however, that the scheme is being progressed with changes based on the views received during the earlier community consultation.
The proposals are intended for built-up towns and villages where the existing maximum speed limit is 40mph or less. The council says the schemes were designed using Department for Transport guidance, with the aim of creating safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Any resident wishing to take part can use the council’s consultation information and respond during the 21-day statutory period. The consultation is the final opportunity to express views on the detailed Traffic Regulation Order before a scheme is rolled out.
Wider 20mph programme
Across Westmorland and Furness, 11 of the 17 phase-three schemes are progressing as originally proposed, while six—including Burneside—are moving forward with amendments. Nine other proposed schemes did not receive enough demonstrated support and will not be taken forward.
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 the required level of support was not demonstrated by respondents.
A council spokesperson said:
“We would like to thank everybody who responded to the initial engagement and helped shape these 20mph schemes to reflect local need.”
They added:
“This statutory consultation is a necessary step and is a further opportunity for residents to add their views and emphasise their position.”
How the schemes are being developed
The council introduced a streamlined route for 20mph applications in December 2023. It said the new approach made it easier and quicker for communities to submit requests and accelerated 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 had supported them during the initial consultation.
The final decision on whether the Burneside scheme is implemented is expected later this year, following the statutory consultation process.
