A long term vision for Dunsop Bridge
Welcome to this website that provides status information on the long-term vision for Dunsop Bridge. It focuses on two sites within the Duchy of Lancaster’s ownership in the village: the Old Garage site by the village green and Root Farm Buildings as shown on the plan below. Click on the map below to find out more about the sites.
A huge thank you to the community for a positive and healthy response to the 2020 and 2021 Community Consultations and development proposals for the sites at Root Farm and the Old Garage site. Results and copies of the original documents and questionnaires can be found by clicking here. Suggestions and feedback on both sites was carefully reviewed and whilst we are sadly not able to accommodate every idea, many of them have been factored into the design process, which we hope will help support and sustain Dunsop Bridge for future generations.
A full planning application for the buildings at Root Farm was submitted in September 2021 and approved by Ribble Valley Borough Council in December 2021. Design development progressed and approval given in December 2023 to the final scheme. Click here to access full proposals for the workshops. The further planning application relating to the required electricity substation was approved on 10th April 2024.
Plans were also approved by Ribble Valley Borough Council (May 2022) for a new community hub building at the Old Garage site. Detailed and updated plans secured approval in December 2023 following a design review and can be viewed by clicking here.
Work to both sites are taking place in two phases. Specialist demolition contractors L & W Wilson Ltd completed Phase 1 works (demolition and site clean up) at Root Farm Buildings in 2023. Phase 1 works on the Old Garage site are delayed due to issues in re-routing electrical cables from the main garage building before it is demolished. Minor variations to the approved planning schemes were required on both projects as the design developed and this has resulted in recently approved planning applications and thank you for your support.
In summary, the reconstruction phase (Phase 2) works at Root Farm Buildings will commence in late May on an anticipated 12 to 15 month programme with reconstruction work on the new community building on the Old Garage site starting an anticipated six months later.
A reminder that these community projects are not being developed for financial gain but to assist in supporting and improving the long-term sustainability of the village in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is important for the Duchy of Lancaster to understand that the majority of the community want and support the indicative proposals. The Duchy may choose not to invest in the redevelopment of redundant buildings, particularly in rural areas where this may prove unviable or is unwelcome. If it is the will of the local community, we could simply close up the buildings, ensuring that these are protected, weather-proof and watertight. However, it is our genuine belief that the two projects as proposed would provide Dunsop Bridge with new social, community, retail and workshop spaces to support the community for generations to come.