Soddy Gap community asset decision upheld

Soddy Gap at Great Broughton was registered as a community asset in December, following an application by Allerdale councillor Nicky Cockburn.

It is part of the 483-acre Broughton Lodge site, which is owned by Harworth Estates.

It was restored by the Coal Authority and comprises a large pond, two smaller ones, young trees, marsh, scrub and grasslands.

Little and Great Broughton and Broughton Moor villagers regularly walk in the area and the site is widely used by walkers, runners, cyclists, birdwatchers and horse riders. 

The land was put on the market last year, prompting local people to ensure the area which they use was protected.

But Harworth Estate's solicitors wrote to Allerdale council requesting a review of the authority's decision.

The solicitors said: "We consider that, contrary to the council's findings, the use of land for the purposes described in the nomination cannot reasonably be described as 'non-ancillary', particularly when considered in the context of the wider Broughton Lodge site."

The council considered its concerns and upheld its original decision.

An Allerdale spokesman said: “When a property is listed as an asset of community value, the owners have a right to request a review of that listing decision. 

"The decision is then assessed by a person within the council who was not involved in the original decision.

"The owner of Soddy Gap exercised their right to request a review. The review upheld the original decision of the listing panel. 

"The owners have a further right to appeal this decision in the first tier tribunal.

"We have no information on whether they are planning to do this at this time."

Councillor Cockburn said: "This is a huge relief for so many people.

"People were worried that something that was promised to them and has been used greatly was going to be taken away from them.

"Public use of this area has always been encouraged."