Notes on the Annual Meeting of Natland Parish Council for 2026

                               FROM YOUR ON THE SPOT PARISH COUNCIL REPORTER

 

The meeting started with the Annual Report which the chairman summarised as copies had been distributed and it is on the website and notice board.  Cllr Stuart Ibbs has resigned from the council and this vacancy can be fill by election (if enough voters demand one) or by co-option - much more likely. 

            Much of the council's business this year has centred on traffic and highways.  The council has continued to focus on safety measures for the A65 and Natland Rd and later in the meeting we learned of further developments.  W&F council has received a lengthy petition from residents of Catlesteads and residents of other dwellings asking for a pedestrian crossing of the A65 and a bus shelter.

            Traffic problems in the centre of the village have been exacerbated because of the road works but still remain an unsolved problem.  St Mark's school has submitted a planning application to expand its nursery and concern was expressed that this could only cause further traffic and parking problems.  And of course this leads to driving and parking on the village green.  The state of the green, the flooding by the church and the state of the associated pavement  were described, quite justly, as an eyesore and a disgrace.  Action on the flooding and a request to repair the road and pavement have all been reported many times to W&F.  The two W&F cllrs present at the meeting were left in no doubt about the frustration of the parish council and residents.

The parish council is taking action to get the village green repaired.

            The Interim Accounts for the year were presented.  The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) stands at £23,332 and £5,000 has already been granted to improve the school playground.  The council had thought to keep the CIL money for use against the cost of making a footpath along Natland Rd, but is always open to suggestions from residents for its other use. 

            The W&F Countryside Access Officer then gave a presentation about the Canal Towpath Trail which was both interesting and informative.  Still in its design stage this project aims to make an accessible footpath with a surface of triple pressed limestone and metal fencing where necessary along the line of the canal towpath.  As a footpath it will not be for use by cyclists and this gave rise to some comment.  Disappointingly, funding has not yet been secured for this initiative.

            W&F Cllr J Brook explained a little about the Mayor of Cumbria and the Combined Authority.  The 'pro' side of this organisation is that extra funding and powers should be devolved from central government.  No points were made against but I assume there will be extra costs and I think some confusion.  W&F and Cumberland councils will continue to deliver the services and the new boys will have strategic responsibilities – that's all very clear then.  Election for the Mayor and for W&F cllrs will be in May 2027.  Cllr D Rathbone gave us a bit more of the day to day stuff.  Our request for a new street light is being looked at, a road sweep of Natland will be asked for and various points about monitoring or policing the new speed limits were made.

Cllr Rathbone also mentioned the Land Allocations system which is ongoing.  The chairman's report mentioned the 4 sites in Natland which are vulnerable to development.  They are above

Long Meadow Lane, behind Charnley Fold, land at Watercrook and of course the proposed Story Homes development between Natland and Burton Rds.  You may be affected by these proposals.          The various village institutions and groups then made report of their activities.  The vicar of Natland now has four parishes, Crosscrake having been added to Natland and the two Huttons.  The village hall will be closed for Jun and July for renovation and may have limited opening in August.  The WI continues to thrive and has an intention of enhancing the look of the village green with plants this summer – lets hope it doesn't still look like a rugby field in places.  Reports were also heard from the editor of the Natland Blog, the Monday Club and the Age UK Natland Lunch Club.

            The Open Forum at the end raised no new concerns or proposals    

 

           

Next W.I. meeting

We will be learning all about Pickleball at the next Women’s Institute Meeting in the Village Hall on the 15th April starting at 7.30. Barbara Birch will be showing us what it involves and there will be opportunities to have a go. Or to sit back and offer words of advice and encouragement. 

The Britannia will be steaming to and fro on Wednesday

 On Wednesday 8th April 70000 Britannia will be northbound Oxenholme 12:47. Then southbound Oxenholme18:05.

Pat Williams.

Minutes and Notes from March Parish Council Meeting

CLICK HERE to see the Minutes of the March 30th 2026 N.P.C. Meeting 

         FROM YOUR ON THE SPOT PARISH COUNCIL REPORTER

I'll start with a plug for the Annual Parish Meeting which is on Thurs 9th Apr at 7pm in the village hall.  There will be reports from the parish council and other groups and institutions and the Country Access Officer will give a presentation on the Canal Towpath Trail.  Moreover, the Open Forum is the opportunity for any resident to raise other matters or concerns with the council.          

        The Open Forum opportunity was taken by a resident of The Beeches (which is in Natland) to raise an issue with the council at the March meeting.  Many of the those residents think there is a need for a Defibrillator on their estate and he was hoping for advice and support from Natland Parish council.  He got lots of information and was advised to contact Endmoor First Responders who are the experts round here.  The council also suggested that it might help with the costs, but probably on a matched funding arrangement.

        Cllr Catnach then gave a very informative briefing about the Land Allocations process.  Various sites in Natland have been put forward for possible housing development and, after a first review of them, two had received a positive go ahead for further consideration.  The most significant of the two is the land behind Long Meadow Lane.  Just because this area had been rejected in a past it does not follow that the same arguments will hold good this time.   

        Cllr Catnach has identified quite a few issues which are relevant and in order that a comprehensive case could be presented to W&F Planning it was suggested that a small working group be set up.  It was recognised that it was important to have a representative on this group from Long Meadow Lane. 

        The other site still in the pot for possible development was the area behind the new Anord Mardix factory.  Whilst not as immediately seen as a threat to the character of Natland, it is important that the planning process takes due regard of two factors;  that the area is a flood risk which might have been exacerbated by the flood prevention measures in Kendal and the national importance of the heritage site at Watercrook.

        Cllr D Rathbone was then asked if he had any news from W&F about the request for a street light in the vicinity of the village hall/village green.  The answer was that 'its practicality' was being looked into.  So I think this one's been put on the back burner for a while; but there are more immediate and important issues needing attention.

        The council then went on to discuss two of them.  Firstly the village green and what can be done about its damaged state and can measures be taken to stop further damage.  After lengthy discussion and suggestions, two actions were proposed.  The first seems a bit of a 'do nothing' but is actually more like a 'kick it down the road' plan.  The first cut of the village green is due on 1 Apr and the grass cutter has offered to look at the damage and with his input a way ahead might be found.  As a preventative measure the Chairman of the council has produced two leaflets, politely worded (he's always polite), asking drivers not to drive or park on the green or park in such a way as to make other drivers infringe the green.  These were handed out for cllrs to use but I think the plan or hope is that residents of the green will take some as well.

        The other issue is of course the flooding, especially outside the church, which has been reported many times.  Cllr Rathbone is well aware of the frustration of the council and residents at the situation and his next step is to report the issue to the Portfolio Holder.  The flooding on Sedgwick road was not mentioned but the Chairman and I think that there is a plan to put in a new soak away – but when?

        The charitable grants which the council make annually were then agreed;  they are to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Mountain Rescue, Citizens' Advice, Great North Air Ambulance, North West Air Ambulance and The British Legion Poppy Appeal.

        The reports from cllrs were mainly about roads and traffic.  Cllr Clark has noticed that potholes used to get repaired quite quickly but it now takes a month or so.  The large hole which almost appeared overnight close to the entrance to the village hall and the one at the junction of Helm Lane and Sedgwick Rd have been reported.  Much concern was expressed about traffic and parking on Natland Rd, now increased due to the Mardix works.

        One cllr also reported an increase in dog poo being left on pavements or other areas.  The council does not want to take formal action at this stage but hopes this anti social and inconsiderate behaviour from dog owners or one owner will cease.

        After the meeting had closed Cllr S Ibbs announced his resignation as he is to shortly move from the village.  He was thanked for his service to the village over many years. 

        The next parish council meeting is on Mon 11th May at 7pm, but don't forget the Annual Parish Meeting on Thurs 9th April.

       

       

       

Is there light at the bottom of the Village Pond?

 Here is what the Westmorland and Furness Council say:  

Our team have established a plan of action for your problem and we would like to tell you about it. 

We can confirm that our team have attended the location reported on Helm Lane, Natland.

The team have advised that works to empty and cleanse the soakaway have been added to our programme, although we are unable to provide a definitive timescale as to when these works will be undertaken at this time.   Track Progress

Garden Waste Subscription Service

01 April 2026  Status: For immediate release

News Release  News release: New garden waste subscription service launched today  Westmorland and Furness Council's new subscription-based garden waste collection service is now live.
A new subscription-based garden waste collection service has been launched today by Westmorland and Furness Council. From today (1 April), residents across Westmorland and Furness who wish to continue receiving garden waste collections - or who would like to begin using the service - must subscribe at a cost of £60 per bin per year. The subscription window opens today and runs until 28 June. From 29 June, only bins displaying a valid subscription sticker will be collected. General household waste and recycling services remain unaffected. Residents signing up for the first time will receive their first garden waste bin free of charge. Additional bins can be purchased for a one off fee of £25 each, and every bin - including the first - requires an annual subscription. The easiest and quickest way for residents to subscribe is online via the Council’s website at: westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/gardenwaste. For residents without internet access, subscriptions can also be made by calling the Council on 0300 373 3300. Once a subscription is completed, a sticker will be posted out for residents to attach to their bin. Bins without a sticker will not be collected after 28 June. Any additional bins ordered will be delivered after sign up is complete. Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, said: “With subscriptions now open, we appreciate that this new service will feel like a significant change for some residents, and we know it won’t be a popular one for everyone. We also recognise that not everyone will want to sign up. This decision was made reluctantly, but it is necessary to help us protect the essential services that all our communities rely on. “I hope residents will take the time to consider whether the service is right for them. For those who choose not to subscribe, there are responsible alternatives available, including home composting and taking garden waste to one of our Household Waste Recycling Centres. Whatever option people choose, we want to support residents to dispose of their garden waste in a way that is environmentally responsible and works for them.” Garden waste collections will continue to take place fortnightly, operating April to March each year, with a pause during the non-growing months of December, January and February, when garden waste levels are at their lowest. The introduction of the charge was agreed as part of the Council’s 2026/27 budget, approved by Full Council on 26 February, and reflects the need to review discretionary services due to significant financial pressures. Garden waste collection is not a statutory service; introducing a subscription ensures that those who use the service contribute to its cost, helping the Council protect essential services relied on by all residents. The launch of the garden waste subscription service marks the first phase in a wider programme to harmonise waste and recycling arrangements across Westmorland and Furness. Further changes to the service, agreed by Cabinet in September last year, include moving to an in-house collection service, fortnightly residual waste collections using 240 litre wheelie bins, and fortnightly recycling collections using two 180 litre wheelie bins - one for plastics, cans and glass, and one for card and paper. Bespoke arrangements will be available for households unable to use wheelie bins. Further details about upcoming changes to residual waste and recycling collections will be shared later this year. ENDS  Notes to editors More information including full terms and conditions is available on the Council’s website: westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/gardenwaste Residents who decide not to subscribe to the garden waste service, don’t need to contact the Council. Any garden waste bins without a subscription sticker will be collected and removed towards the end of the year, once everyone has had the chance to subscribe. The Council will get in touch with residents closer to the time to let them know when we'll be in your area. When notified, please leave your garden waste bin out for collection if you no longer need it.
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South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4UF media@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Westmorland and Furness Council, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4DQ, United Kingdom

Natland Annual Parish Meeting Agenda

 All local government electors of the civil parish of Natland are invited to attend

 

NATLAND ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

 

7pm on Thursday 9th April 2026

 

NATLAND VILLAGE HALL

 

AGENDA

 

 

1.    Welcome and any apologies.

 

2.    To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 10th April 2025 (copies to be circulated at meeting and on the website).

 

3.    To receive a Report from the Chairman of the Parish Council including the Interim Accounts of the Parish Council (copies to be circulated at meeting and placed on the website). 

 

4.    To receive a Report on the Canal Towpath Trail by the Westmorland and Furness Countryside Access Officer.

 

5.    To receive a Report from Natland’s Westmorland and Furness Councillors (if present).

 

6.    To receive any Reports submitted by reps from other Parish Institutions (St Mark’s Church, St Marks School, Village Hall,) and brief Reports by reps from other Natland-based Groups (these may be sent to the Clerk or read out at the meeting)

 

7.    To consider any Motions of which 7 days written notice has been given.

 

8.    Open Forum – a chance to raise any other matters or concerns about Natland Parish.

 

    

 

Peter Smith, Chairman of Natland Parish Council.     30th March 2026

 

 

 

Two trains on Saturday

 60163 Tornado will be northbound on Saturday 28th Oxenholme 11:45.

Also northbound Saturday 34067 Tangmere Oxenholme 11:39

Pat Williams.

March Natland Parish Council Meeting Agenda

Here is the Agenda for the next NPC meeting on the 30th March. The latest version of the submitted sites for land allocations will be reviewed.

Natland Parish Council Annual Parish Meeting

NATLAND

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Thursday 9th APRIL 2026

At 7:00pm in the Village Hall

All Natland residents are

welcome.

Reports from Parish Councillors and

Westmorland and Furness Councillors.

Village Institutions and Community

Groups are encouraged to present reports.

There will be time for general discussion.

If you wish to submit a formal motion for

consideration by the meeting ensure this is

with the Parish Clerk by 1st April.

If you have any questions before the meeting please contact the

Chair of Natland Parish Council, Peter Smith, on 015395 60531