22/07/2025
We apologise for the long silence. Frustratingly, we are still awaiting a response from Westmorland & Furness Council (W&F) regarding the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) for the Busher Walk site.
Kendal CLT has had a long-standing interest in this site. Back in May 2023, we were encouraged by W&F’s indication that Busher Walk would be brought forward for disposal, and that Kendal CLT would be well placed to take it on for affordable housing development.
At that time, we were told the site would be released in September 2023. However, the process has since faced repeated delays. In late 2023, we were invited to submit a formal Expression of Interest—which we did promptly. Despite multiple follow-up emails, we have yet to receive any meaningful updates or next steps.
We understand the next stage of the CAT process involves submitting a full business plan. We are ready to do this in partnership with the Mountain Rescue Team, who are keen to co-develop the wider site with us. However, we urgently need W&F to move things forward so we can begin this next phase.
We’re grateful for the support we’ve received so far—including from the Cabinet leads for Housing and Assets, and from MP Tim Farron, who has recently written to the Council’s Chief Executive on our behalf to ask for clarity on the delays.
KCLT has committed to focusing our efforts on Busher Walk and is not pursuing alternative sites at this time, as we believe strongly that this location offers the best opportunity for the kind of affordable, community-led housing Kendal needs.
If any of you are able to contact your local councillor to lobby on our behalf, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support—we will keep you informed as soon as we hear more.
