Lowside Quarter in District Council minutes

LOWSIDE QUARTER IN DISTRICT COUNCIL MINUTES

This list of items found in Ennerdale Rural District Council minutes (available at Whitehaven Record Office and Local Studies Library: mostly in bound volumes on the library shelves, except where SRDE ref. numbers are given) does not confine itself strictly to the beach bungalows, but strays to include topics such as the military camp at Nethertown, which had a drastic effect on the nearby shore and Green (on which subject I have also included some material from County Council correspondence files).
To save time, I have abbreviated "Works and General Purposes Committee" to WGPC; "Health and Housing Committee" to HHC.

1937-45: No relevant references indexed.

ERDC Minutes 1946-7:

WGPC 17 Apr 1946: 19: Under the Public Health Act 1936, sec. 269, Mrs A. Fearon of Strand Street, Whitehaven, applied to erect a moveable caravan on Coulderton foreshore "for use as a dwelling during the summer months". Resolved that subject to it being erected on land licensed for the purpose, no objection.
Valuation Committee, 23 Jul 1946: 13: Chief Rating & Valuation Officer "still not satisfied with the Treasury's attitude with reference to non-payment of grant in lieu of rates in respect of the Military Camp at Nethertown, and had again taken the matter up with the Department." Resolved to approve this action.
WGPC 17 Sep 1946: 100: Letter (9/9/46) from Mr F.H. Walker, 31 Haig Ave, Bransty, applying to erect a temporary bungalow near Braystones Station. Resolved to defer consideration to next meeting.
WGPC 15 Oct 1946: 139 (referring back to 100): Further consideration of Mr Walker's letter "making informal application for consent to erect an ex-railway holiday coach as a temporary bungalow on land south of Braystones L.M.S. Railway Station." Resolved to reply that "having regard to the provisions of the Public Health Acts and the draft proposals for the planning of the area the Council are not prepared to approve the proposed development."
WGPC 19 Nov 1946: 177: Letter from Ministry of Town & Country Planning "requesting to be informed of the Council's observations upon a proposal by the War Department to retain as a long-term installation the training area of 45 acres at Nethertown for the purpose of an Anti-Aircraft Practice Range." Resolved to inform Ministry that "the Council will offer no objection to the proposal subject to the widening of the highway from Kell Head to Nethertown and the removal of the petrol pump and temporary building erected on the green at Nethertown.
WGPC 18 Mar 1947: 249: "Following consideration of a report by the Clerk of the Council upon an aplication by Mrs Beck, 13 Snaefell Terrace, Whitehaven to erect a temporary bungalow on a licensed camping ground at Braystones", resolved "That subject to the building being a 'moveable dwelling' and to the proposal complying with the requirements specified in the licence authorising the land to be used as a camping ground the Council offer no objection to the proposal."

ERDC Minutes 1947-8

WGPC 21 Oct 1947: 111: Application from Mr S. Forbes, 200 Oldham Rd., Failsworth, Lancs., to erect a wooden bungalow on Coulderton Beach. Resolved to reply that "having regard to the provisions of the Public Health Acts and the draft proposals for the planning of the area the Council is not prepared to approve the proposals."
WGPC 17 Feb 1948: 226: Letter from Lowside Quarter Parish Council complains of the dangerous state of the Green at Nethertown etc. Referred to Surveyor. (Indexed "Nethertown Green, use as parking ground")

1949-1953: no relevant references indexed

Cumbria Record Office, Carlisle (outstore) CC3/1/Box 28/GP420:
Cumberland County Council Clerk's Dept. file on Nethertown Camp.

11 Jan 1950: G. Lockwood, County Planning Officer, to CCC Clerk:
"The Nethertown Camp will shortly be de-requisitioned, and I discussed its future use with Mr Ogden yesterday. Various possibilities were suggested, such as a Holiday Camp under the Education Department, or a Police Training Centre, and I have written to the Director of Education and the Chief Constable to have their views thereon.
A further point which strikes me, whereby the Camp may be used, is as a Remand Home, or for similar purposes." ...

13 Jan 1950, CCC Clerk to Lockwood: "We do not want another Remand Home. Mr Bessey seems the only applicant, possibly for a school for backward girls, if it should be suitable. I have made arrangements for holiday camp facilities at Silecroft Y.M.C.A. Camp so we should not be in the market for that purpose."

13 Jan 1950, CCC Clerk to CCC Director of Education, re above: "I do not know whether this camp would be of any interest to you as a centre for backward girls but I suppose it is worth looking at in this respect."

16 Jan 1950, Gordon S. Bessey, CCC Director of Education, to G.N.C. Swift Esq., CCC Clerk: "I have requested the County Architect and the Area Officer to examine the place and report on its possible use for school and youth centre purposes."

31 Mar 1950: Bessey to Swift (copy to Lockwood): "Examination of the Camp reveals that the premises are structurally in good condition. The place is, however, of such giact proportions (e.g. the dining room seats 1,850), that any conceivable educational need would only occupy a small fraction of the camp. We could perhaps take a corner for use as a secondary modern school, or a school for delicate children or, possibly, a central kitchen." ...

5 Apr 1950: Lockwood to Swift- proposes inspection of site in May, with Bessey & Chief Regional Officers of the Ministry of Town & Country Planning.

6 Apr 1950: Swift to Lockwood- if Bessey is involved, Swift should not need to join the inspection.

Gap in sequence here

23 Dec 1954, CCC Planning Officer to - Wilkins Esq., Ministry of Works:
"I refer to your recent telephone conversation with me on the subject of the proposed de-requisitioning of Nethertown Camp.
I am afraid I have not been able to contact Mr. Lockwood as you suggested, but I am sure that whatever scheme Mr. Lockwood may have had to use Nethertown Camp upon its being de-requisitioned, would be within the orbit of the functions of the County Council.
I suggest, therefore, that you write to the Clerk of the County Council, Mr. Swift, informing him of the proposal to de-requisition Nethertown Camp, upon receipt of which letter Mr. Swift would, as he normally does on such occasions, get into touch with the Heads of the various Departments of the County Council informing them of this proposal to de-requisition Nethertown Camp and asking whether they have any use to which this camp might be put. Mr. Swift would then very soon write and inform you of the results of his enquiry."

30 Dec 1954: Swift sends copy of above to Bessey.

30 Dec 1954: Frank Anderson MP to Swift: "I have been advised by the Minister of Works that it is intended to dismantle the buildings and de-requisition the site.
As you will be aware, the Camp buildings are of single story brick construction and I am informed that only recently the buildings were renovated as it was thought the Camp would be required to accommodate workpeople engaged on the construction of the Nuclear Power Station at Calder Hall. However, the buildings have been found to be redundant, and hence the proposition to de-requisition.
I have written to the Secretary of the West Cumberland Hospital Committee, enclosing a copy of my letter on this matter to the Minister of Health, in which I have suggested that the buildings should be examined to see if they can be used reasonably efficiently for bringing back the evacuated patients from Meadow View Hospital at Whitehaven.
My purpose in writing to youi is to see if you are in need of buildings for any of the projects covered by the various Departments of your Authority. I wonder if your Authority would be kind enough to look at this proposition. I understand that 800 men could be accommodated on the hostel principle at Nethertown Camp. It appears to me a sad waste of public money if these buildings have to be demolished when only recently many thousands of pounds have been spent on decorations, etc. This is apart from the fact that at one time the Camp buildings were only of wooden construction and now they are of brick." ...

3 Jan 1955: CCC Clerk copies above to relevant CCC departments (Education, Welfare, Land Agent, Architect, Chilrden's Officer etc.)

3 Jan 1955: CCC Clerk to Anderson: "I shall be getting in touch with our various Departments, but at the moment I cannot think of any substantial use to which we could put a place of this size in its situation at Nethertown. I had as a matter of fact mentioned the camp to the Director of Education a day or two ago.
I note that you have already communicated with the West Cumberland Hospital Committee, who might well be able to make some temporary use of part of Nethertown, if they could get the necessary nursing staff. As a matter of fact we are hoping to offer the Regional Hospital Board some extra accommodation in another part of Meadow View which may alleviate their particular problem, and we have had a Conference with them and discussions are proceeding about this with a view to something being done without delay."

4 Jan 1955: County Welfare Officer to Clerk: No use to us.

5 Jan 1955: Miss M. Silva-Jones, Children's Officer to Clerk: No use to us, but "in view of the urgent need for more accommodation for mental defectives would the accommodation be of any interest to the Regional Hospital Board, via Dr. Ferguson."

18 Jan 1955: CCC Clerk? to W.J. Ball Esq., Clerk to the Special Area Committee: passes on Silva-Jones suggestion, "so that you may look into it."

19 Jan 1955: CCC Clerk? to Bessey- Please reply to my earlier letters so I can reply to Frank Anderson...

19 Jan 1955: J.M. Ball to Swift: S.A.C. to consider suggestion this Thursday. "I have seen this Camp and will be reporting my impressions to the Committee. My personal feelig is that this is not a suitable property for our purposes, but I will let you know what the Committee decide. They will have letters put before them on the subject from the Ministry of Health, the West Cumberland Hospital Management Committee, and Mr. Frank Anderson, M.P."

19 Jan 1955: Bessey to Swift (folowing discussions with Education Committee chairman): No use to us

25 Jan 1955: Swift to Anderson- nobody in CCC wants it, S.A.C. will presumably let you know their decision in due course.

SRDE 1/1/19: ERDC Minutes 1953-4:

WGPC 19 Jan 1954: 109: Following letter from Lowside Quarter Parish Council, asking for repairs to the road leading to the foreshore at Nethertown, and "the deposit of machinery etc. on the Green", RESOLVED to ask County Council to repair the road, and advise Parish Council "to contact the owners of the machinery and ask for its removal."

ERDC Minutes 1954-55:

WGPC 19 Apr 1955: 159: Plans. Resolved that (e) "the Surveyor report on the erection of bungalows etc. on the foreshore at Coulderton."

ERDC Minutes 1955-56:

WGPC 24 May 1955: 3f: Councillors Colligan, Cook, Noctor, Skelton, Gilbertson, Mawson & Rawling to meet a County Planning Dept. member at Coulderton "to consider the erection of bungalows, etc., on land adjoining the foreshore and the owner/occupiers of the land be invited to be present."
WGPC 21 Jun 1955: 17 (referring back to 3f): Committee considered report of Coulderton Beach bungalows sub-committee. Resolved:
a) "all owners of existing bungalows or other erections on Coulderton Beach which have been erected without planning permission be required to submit application for planning permission"
b) "subject to the owners of all the bungalows agreeing to pay a water rate, a water supply be afforded to Coulderton Beach, at an estimated cost of £400"
Finance Committee, 28 Jun 1955: 22) Resolved (a) that "the proposal to extend the water supply to Coulderton beach at an estimated cost of £400 be referred back to the Works and General Purposes Committee for furter consideration"
WGPC 19 Jul 1955: 38) On further consideration of resolution 17b, resolved "That the provision of a water supply at Coulderton Beach be again considered when details are available of probable income and grants."
WGPC 20 Sep 1955: 51: Plans. Resolved:
e) "the development on Coulderton Foreshore be limited to 33 buildings as shown on the layout plan submitted by the Surveyor, and an area be scheduled as a caravan site"
f) "the attention of the owner be drawn to the condition of the railway coach which is used as a bungalow on Coulderton Beach"
g) "plans for buildings of short-lived materials be approved for a period not exceeding ten years"

ERDC Minutes 1957-58:

WGPC 15 Apr 1958: 140: Letter of 31 Mar 1958 from Lowside Quarter Parish Council read out, protesting against (1) the disposal of surplus skimmed milk into the sewer at Nethertown; (2) the proposal to establish a caravan site at Nethertown. Surveyor reported that the surplus milk proposal was "not likely to proceed". Resolved "That the letter be noted."

ERDC Minutes 1958-59:

WGPC 16 Sep 1958: 41: Committee received a report by the County Planning Officer "making suggestions for the proper development of the Camping Site at Nethertown". Resolved that CPO and ERDC Surveyor be authorised to discuss the suggestions with the site owners / developers. To be discussed further at next meeting.
WGPC 21 Oct 1958: 58 (referring back to item 41): Surveyor reported that Nethertown caravan site owners indicated in discussions that they do not propose to develop it themselves. Resolved "That the Surveyor report to the next meeting on the possible acquisition and development of the site by the Council."

ERDC Minutes 1959-60:

WGPC 17 Nov 1959: 63: Letter submitted from Medical Officer of Health "drawing attention to the unsatisfactory water supply at Coulderton beach". Resolved:
a) Surveyor submit to the Committee a costed scheme for a satisfactory water supply
b) meeting with residents be arranged to discuss the proposals
WGPC 19 Apr 1960: 122: Following consideration of a letter from Lowside Quarter Parish Council, resolved "That the Surveyor report to the next meeting on the use of Croft Farm as a caravan site." WGPC 17 May 1960:
127 (surveyor's report) inc: C.W. Tedd, beach bungalow at Nethertown (plan ref. 4063/EA.2012). "The first inspection notice under Byelaw 6(1) for this bungalow was submitted eleved days after the plans had been passed, but when the building was inspected it was found to be almost at damp course level. No opportunity had been given to this department to inspect the foundations and the applicant has stated that he commenced work before the submission to the Council of a planning proposal.
A trial hole taken out under Byelaw 6(2) on one corner of the building revealed that the main walls of the building have no concrete foundation in accordance with the deposited plan."

Beach bungalows, general note: "Some misunderstanding has arisen when a proposed dwelling has been submitted under the Building Byelaws and the Town and Country Planning Act under the title of "beach bungalow". This title has been given to many buildings which are not on, and some not in sight of, the beach.
In the past plans of beach bungalows have been approved on the assumption that they were for temporary occupation only. In practice, many of these bungalows are occupied for long periods. I have consulted the Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Public Health Inspector and we are of the opinion that these buildings cannot be approved unless they comply with the Building Byelaws and Public Health Acts. In this connection we have jointly prepared a schedule of minimum requirements which ought to be met before these proposals can be approved."
Resolved:
3) "notice be given requiring the removal from Nethertown of railway carriages for which planning permission has not bee. granted;"
4 i) "the schedule of minimum requirements to be observed in respect of beach bungalows be approved; and
ii) steps be taken to make the spring water supply at Coulderton Beach safe for drinking"

SRDE 1/1/26: ERDC Minutes 1960-61:

WGPC 21 Jun 1960: 13: Letter from Lowside Quarter Parish Council asked ERDC to consider providing a public convenience at Nethertown. RESOLVED that Cllrs. Bolton, Cook, Colligan & Harrington meet the Parish Council to discuss the issue. WGPC 20 Sep 1960:
38 (referring to item 13): RESOLVED to consider providing a public convenience with water supply at Nethertown when 1961-62 estimates are under review. HHC 19 Apr 1961:
134, resolution a: that "a joint report by the Chief Public Health Inspector and the Surveyor on the siting of caravans at Nethertown be submitted to the Committee."

ERDC Minutes 1962-63:

WGPC 17 Jul 1962: 21: It was reported that South Cumberland Water Board were prepared to provide a water supply to public conveniences at Seamill, St. Bees, and Nethertown "on the Council accepting liability for repayment of the capital costs involved". Resolved to obtain further information on the costs of the proposals. Finance Committee, 26 Feb 1963:
84: Letter from South Cumberland Water Board asks Council "to consider giving a guarantee under Section 36 of the Water Act, 1945, in respect of the provision of a water stand-pipe to serve the bungalows at Coulderton. The amount of guarantee would be approximately £50 for a period of 12 years." Resolved "That the Board be asked to appoach the ornwer of property who will benefit by the supply to contribute towards the cost of the installation."

ERDC Minutes 1965-6:

HHC 22 Dec 1965: 96 a) Following consideration of a report by the Chief Public Health Inspector, resolved to renew caravan site licence for land south of Braystones Station until 31 Dec 1968, subject to planning consent and compliance with conditions referred to in the report.
HHC 19 Jan 1966: 114 a) Following report by the Chief Public Health Inspector, resolved to renew 2 caravan licences in respect of part of OS 497 at Braystones to 31 Dec 1968, subject to planning permission and conditions in report.

ERDC Minutes 1966-7:

HHC, 20 Jul 1966: 19) Following the Chief Public Health Inspector's report, resolved (a) To grant a caravan site licence in respect of part of OS 468, Braystones, subject to planning permission and "the conditions attached to the report".
WGPC 15 Nov 1966: 85: Resolved that "the Surveyor submit to the next meeting a report and estimate of the cost of provding Public Conveniences at Nethertown."
WGPC 20 Dec 1966: 92: Surveyor's report, inc. Public conveniences, Nethertown: "Siting and services are being investigated".

SRDE 1/1/33: ERDC Minutes 1967-8:

WGPC 20 Jun 1967: 10: Following consideration of report on storm damage to concrete foundations of the car-park at Nethertown, RESOLVED that Surveyor should ask if owner is willing to sell the area to ERDC.
WGPC 20 Feb 1968: 121: Resolved under Coast Protection Order, 1955, not to grant a licence to R. Lockhart of Braystones to remove c5-8 cubic yards of gravel per month from the foreshore opposite Braystones Station.

ERDC Minutes, 1968-9

Full Council, 13 Aug 1968: 24) Chief Public Health Inspector reported that a septic tank serving "Sea Crest"; "Sea Breeze"; "Tor Haven"; "West View"; & "Island View" bungalows at Nethertown "was in such a condition that it is prejudicial to health and a nuisance." Abatement notices to be issued.
WGPC 21 Oct 1969: 375: Resolved to ask British Rail to carry out necessary protective works to the concrete apron on Nethertown foreshore "and, if necessary, the Chairman of the Committee meet British Rail representatives to go into this matter and reach a settlement."

ERDC Minutes 1969-70

WGPC 17 Feb 1970: 683: Owner of a beach bungalow at nethertown affected by coastal erosion had requested Council's help in carrying out protective works. Resolved (a) To discuss with the County Surveyor. (b) That the Committee make a site inspection.
WGPC 17 Mar 1970: 803 (referring back to 683b): Following site inspection, resolved that "in view of the considerable cost which would need to be incurred to carry out coast protection works, in relation to the benefit which was likely to be derived from such works, no action be taken."

ERDC Minutes 1971-72:

WGPC 4 May 1971: 994: Coastal area amenities discussion, inc. request (3) "That the Surveyor look into the possibility of the provision of toilets at the beach at Nethertown. Agreed by Committee.
Finance & Rating Cttee., 12 Oct 1971: 447: Re 1972-3 capital works programme; a member has received complaints that the concrete apron at Nethertown is being undermined by the sea. Engineer & Surveyor reported on work carried out at Nethertown by Cumberland C.C. Recommended that Engineer & Surveyor discuss the matter further with the C.C. "with a view to further improvements being made."
Full Council, 26 Oct 1971: 458: During discussion of item 447, members expressed copncern at the dangerous condition of the concrete apron at Nethertown; "agreed that the Engineer and Surveyor press the County Council to carry out the necessary works as a matter of urgency."
WGPC, 2 Nov 1971: 466 (referring back to 458): Engineer & Surveyor "stated that the County Engineer was preparing a report recommending the carrying out of remedial works to the concrete apron. Recommended that "subject to the Chairman of the Committee being satisfied with the report the County Engineer be asked to proceed with the works."
Full Council, 23 Nov 1971: 557 (referring back to item 466): Resolved to seek the observations of Lowside Quarter Parish Council on the matter.
WGPC, 30 Nov 1971: 576: Details of County Surveyor's scheme for preventing further erosion below the concrete parking area at Nethertown were submitted (est. cost £500). Lowside Quarter Parish Council in favour. Recommended to approve.
WGPC 8 Feb 1972: 755 (Surveyor's report): Order for work on concrete apron placed by County Council 25 Jan, start expected soon.
WGPC 7 Mar 1972: 863 (Surveyor's report): County Council inviting tenders for carrying out the repair work on the Nethertown concrete apron.
WGPC 2 May 1972: 1060 (Surveyor's report): Contractor has stared work on Nethertown apron.