AMBITIOUS plans have been revealed to transform the area around Windermere station.

Community figures have hailed the Windermere Gateway project, which aims to tackle traffic flow, improve the town’s railway station, and create affordable homes for local people.

Proposals include the upgrade of two junctions on the A591 at Thwaites Lane and High Street to improve traffic flow, a new vehicle access route to Windermere station, improving the railway station facilities, additional public car parking, safer, more direct walking and cycling links to the town, as well as the creation of affordable housing for local people.

The Lake District National Park Authority is working with landowners, councils and community figures to facilitate the exciting project, with Lake District National Park director of sustainable development, Steve Ratcliffe, encouraging people to have their say on proposals as part of the park’s consultation process.

He added: “The Windermere Gateway project will help to support our communities with more local and affordable housing, more public car parking at the station, addressing existing highway issues, and ensuring that there is the capacity for more people to travel on the Lakes Line, supporting our ambitions to improve sustainable transport to the Lake District.”

Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of South Lakeland District Council said the scheme would create a ‘world-class welcome’ for people arriving in Windermere.

“It sensitively creates an enhanced gateway to the Lake District World Heritage Site, through a redeveloped station and transport hub, as well as providing a significant amount of much-needed affordable housing for local people,” he added.

Mike Innerdale, National Trust’s director of the north region added: “The Windermere Gateway project is a unique opportunity for the National Trust to make a difference in Windermere through land gifted to us.”

And MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, said the project presented an ‘amazing opportunity’ to provide affordable homes for local families, solve traffic problems at the A591 junction, improve parking problems for residents and create a ‘much better experience for everyone using Windermere station.’

He added: "Of course, there is still a way to go before we can make these things a reality and I will be working hard with local councillors to make sure that all of these benefits are actually delivered."

A dedicated webpage has been created to provide more information on the proposals at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/windermeregateway.

Leaflets are also being sent to residents living nearest the gateway area, and people will be able to pick up a leaflet at Booths and Lakeland stores in Windermere.

The consultation closes on July 30 and a short survey can be found at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/windermeregateway