A PLANNING application for a portable cabin to be used as a shop supporting a Cumbrian charity has been refused.

Maryport Inshore Rescue Services applied for a cabin that would act as a shop to sell goods supporting the charity back in November 2023.

A design and access statement for the plans said: "They propose to site a [portable cabin] to be used as a shop to sell goods in support of their vital, lifesaving works that they carry out in the area.

"The [cabin] is a standard portable unit which has self-supporting pier construction. Because the site is sloping, there will be additional pad foundations and steel columns.

"The building will be underdrawn with timber cladding to secure the underside. The existing landscaping will be adjusted to allow for a level landing and approach to the building entrance.

"The existing building on the site is a traditionally-built storage shed and headquarters for the service. This will not be impacted by the addition."

However, Cumberland council officers refused to grant permission for the application on January, 3, stating that the application has been refused 'with a way forward' should the organisation choose to pursue the project.

An officer's report highlighting why the application had been refused said: "One letter of objection has been received in which it states that the proposal is outside the lease boundaries and the proposal would restrict access to the electric supply for a large chiller wagon."

The report also said that comments have also been raised with concerns over the access of the adjoining premises to the electric supply for the large chiller wagons, and that officers were not satisfied that the access to the site for the larger vehicles that enter/exit the adjoining building will not be impacted.

The site is situated at Maryport Harbour with the inlet/outlet to the docks and marina to the North.

The Maryport Inshore Rescue Service building is located to the west of the proposal site and a detached residential dwelling is located to the south.