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Work has started on the preparation of a new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the area of coastal fringe between the Candlestick Chimney in the north and Birkhams Quarry to the south. The SPD will encompass the former chemicals works on the “Marchon / Rhodia” site, Haig Mining Museum and part of the St Bees SSSI along the coastal strip. The Cumbrian Coastal Path runs approximately north / south through the area, linking Whitehaven Harbour to the north west’s only section of Heritage Coast at St Bees Head.

West Whitehaven has a complex and extensive history of mining, quarrying and industrial activity which has left a legacy of ground contamination, mine shafts and scars in the landscape, as well as a number of buildings and structures of historical and archaeological interest. The area also supports a variety of interesting and nationally significant wildlife. The SPD will set out planning guidelines for West Whitehaven’s future protection and enhancement, and will identify possible areas where carefully designed, small scale development which meets local needs, may be acceptable.