A PLANNING application for a west Cumbrian recycling project is about to be submitted to Cumberland Council.

Amy Linton, from St Bees, asked a question at Tuesday's (October 31) meeting of the executive committee in Allerdale House in Workington during the time allowed for public participation.

She said: “Is it possible for the Executive Committee to provide an update on the Revive project at Mirehouse please?

"In December 2022 Copeland Borough Council's executive committee agreed to allocate £500,000 for the Revive project and to lease a plot of land on Meadow Road at reduced rent for this project.

"The project was to include collecting and donating furniture to those in need, providing training to upcycle goods and creating a care and repair cafe.

"This project is in line with the recommendation 14 of the Copeland People's Panel to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ to create a circular economy, with the recommendation specifically mentioning setting up repair/recycling hubs.

"With the opportunity for developing skills, accessing training and the cafe bringing people together, the project would also bring wider social and health benefits.

"We haven't heard any further news about this project, so it would be useful to hear the progress that has been made so far on this project that will bring benefits for the environment and local people.”

Councillor Bob Kelly (Millom, Labour), the portfolio holder Cumberland policy and regulatory services, said a survey of the site had taken place over the summer and the planning application was due to be submitted in the "next couple of weeks".

Ms Linton told members of the committee that she was pleased the response from Cllr Kelly.

December's decision was to part fund the £1.7 million furniture recycling facility which would see two buildings converted into the recycling facility with items upcycled and sold at a reduced cost or available free of charge.

It was aimed that the programme would be rolled out in three stages:

  • Phase one would focus on collecting and donating furniture to local people in need;
  • Phase two would support skill building and training for local people through upcycling goods;
  • Phase three would launch a ‘care and repair café’ where residents can learn how to repair goods, build friendships and tackle loneliness and isolation – a problem in the community.

The buildings, once finished, will include a workshop, showroom, café area, and meeting rooms.

Well Whitehaven, a project aimed at improving the lives of those living in the Mirehouse, Corkickle and Snebro community, pledged £300,000 towards the Revive programme.

The full £800,000 budget will enable phase one of the programme to go ahead. Further funding will be sought for phases two and three.

A portion of the funds (£200,000) would be set aside to help homeless families, those escaping domestic abuse and rough sleepers moving to settled accommodation. It will support the provision of furniture, white goods and other essential household items for their new homes.