Please find below a short update on local issues, hope that this is useful.
Some good news to start: the first stage of Borderlands investment into Longtown has been submitted to the Borderlands Board for approval. The first phase is investment in the Community Centre, to create a centre fit for the 21st century — in particular providing more space suitable for activities for all ages, including skills and learning. The second phase of investment, improving the A7 corridor, is subject to further public consultation, as it is important that we get this investment right and end up with something that works for local people.
As previously reported the second stage consultation on the pylons and sub-station proposals is now put back to 2027, but the campaign continues. Please do support local residents from the Blackford area who are campaigning against the siting of a mega sub-station at Whamtown in Blackford. Sign their petition here.
As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can help with anything or if you have suggestions for our local area.
Best wishes,
Tim
Councillor Tim Pickstone
Councillor for Longtown Ward
tim.pickstone@cumberland.gov.uk
07840 844454
Website
Facebook Page
Local News
Rockcliffe incinerator proposal: On the first day of the Planning Inspectorate hearings to review the decision to refuse planning permission, I was able to speak against the development, alongside excellent contributions from local residents. No news yet on the outcome of the appeal, which is currently being considered by the Planning Inspector. You can read my speech here:
https://timpickstone.mycouncillor.org.uk/2026/06/04/rockcliffe-planning-inspectorate-speech/
Whitberry Court Roadhead: I have been working with Riverside Housing about the serious sewage overflow that has been causing significant problems. Riverside have agreed to replace the septic tank which will hopefully address the issue.
Penton Linns bridge: Thank you to residents who raised the issue of missing stones from the top of the bridge — this has been reported as an urgent issue for the highways department to deal with before things get worse.
Tour de France – one year to go!
2 July marked exactly one year until the Tour de France comes through Longtown. The men’s race begins in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, coming over the border and down the A7 through Longtown before the opening stage finishes in Carlisle the same day.
If you’d like to be part of it, the search is on for around 9,000 volunteers nationwide — known as ‘JOY Makers’ — to help welcome spectators and keep everything running smoothly across all six UK stages. Anyone aged 16 or over can apply, no experience is needed, and full training is provided. Applications are open until Tuesday 1 September 2026 at:
More from Cumberland Council here:
https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/news/2026/one-year-go-until-tour-de-france-comes-cumberland
More information on how the race will pass through Longtown in the months to come.
Cumberland Council News
New Cumberland Local Plan — Cumberland Council has published an updated timetable for preparing its new Local Plan, following new government regulations which came into force in March. The Local Plan will set out the long-term vision and policies for development and land use across Cumberland, so it matters for all of us. The first stage of public consultation (a ‘scoping’ consultation) is scheduled for September 2026 — I’ll share details of how to take part nearer the time.
More here:
Have your say on Carlisle’s future — Public engagement on the draft Carlisle Masterplan is now open, running until 31 July 2026. The Masterplan sets out a vision for the city over the next 25 years and beyond, with a wide range of potential projects of varying scale. Although this is about the city itself, Carlisle is the centre for jobs, shopping and services for many of us in Longtown Ward, so it’s well worth a look.
You can find out more and give your views at:
https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/Carlisle-Masterplan
Upcoming Roadworks
Thank you to residents who have been in touch about the roadworks at the junction of Harker Park with the A7, where works are taking place to create the sewerage system for the new housing estate. I have been working with highways to try to make the impact on local residents work better.
There are roadworks scheduled over the summer on both the A7 north of Longtown and also along the Longtown to Brampton road. More details when I get them. I have also reported a number of faults along the A7 between Longtown and the motorway and asked for a schedule from the private company that maintains this road.
More information on road closures as I get them on my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/cllrtimpickstone
Planning Applications
Please see below details of planning applications received in June 2026 in Longtown Ward:
26/0360 – Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Documents) of previously approved permission 21/0480 (Change of …)
Camelot Caravan Park, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5SZ
Received: 29 June 2026 | Validated: 29 June 2026 | Status: Registered
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0360
26/0354 – Non Material Amendment of previously approved permission 22/0981 (Proposed Extension to Harker Substation …)
Land North of Harker Grid Sub Station, Harker, Carlisle
Received: 25 June 2026 | Validated: 25 June 2026 | Status: Registered
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0354
26/0351 – Discharge of Conditions 4 (Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)) & 5 (Surface Water …)
Land to the South of Blackdyke Farm, Carlisle
Received: 24 June 2026 | Validated: 24 June 2026 | Status: Registered
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0351
26/0031/AGD – Upgrade and Improvements to Existing Farm Tracks
Glingerburn, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5NW
Received: 24 June 2026 | Validated: 25 June 2026 | Status: Registered
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0031/AGD
26/0334 – Discharge of Statutory Biodiversity Gain Plan Condition and Condition 8 (Habitat Management & Monitoring …)
Land South of Heathlands Farm, Harker Road Ends, Harker, Carlisle, CA6 4HN
Received: 16 June 2026 | Validated: 16 June 2026 | Status: Decided
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0334
26/0329 – Remedial Works to Existing Garage Including Replacement Pitched Roof With New Flat Roof & Replacement …
53 Esk Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5PU
Received: 12 June 2026 | Validated: 18 June 2026 | Status: Registered
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0329
26/0315 – Erection of Single Storey Side & Rear Extension to Provide Bedroom & Enlarged Kitchen/Dining/Lounge
Leagate, Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4ET
Received: 8 June 2026 | Validated: 10 June 2026 | Status: Registered
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0315
26/0027/AGD – Erection of Agricultural Building for Crop & Machinery Store
Land South West of 26 Sleetbeck Road, Roadhead, Carlisle, CA6 6PA
Received: 1 June 2026 | Validated: 10 June 2026 | Status: Withdrawn
https://planning.cumberland.gov.uk/application/26/0027/AGD
Leave a Reply