Concerns raised as Kendal community green space goes up for auction
Residents and councillors have raised concerns after areas of community green space on a Kendal housing estate were put up for auction.
Land at the Kirkbie Green estate is due to be sold on June 25 with a guide price of £10,000.
Local people are seeking reassurance about what could happen to the land after the sale, including whether it will remain accessible and protected from possible development.
The green spaces have been improved by residents since 2021, with support and funding from Kendal Town Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.
Work has included planting wildflowers and ferns, improving access and installing bird and bat boxes to support local wildlife.
Residents surprised by auction
The land was previously owned by housebuilder Persimmon before being sold to a private buyer earlier in 2026.
The current owner has now decided to place it into auction.
Residents said they were not told in advance that the land would be sold and are now asking what safeguards may be attached to it.
Their concerns include whether a future owner could restrict public access, change how the land is used or seek permission for development.
No planning application for the site has been reported, and the auction itself does not mean that development will take place.
However, community members want more information before the sale proceeds.
Green spaces improved since 2021
Kirkbie Green Community Group has spent several years improving the land for residents and wildlife.
The group has carried out planting, maintenance and accessibility work, while also introducing measures designed to increase biodiversity.
Founder Bob Gibbs said the areas were more than unused pieces of land and had become important spaces for people living on the estate.
He said residents had contributed ideas, time and effort to improve the greens and create a stronger sense of pride in the neighbourhood.
The project had also helped neighbours meet one another and reduced isolation within the community.
Mr Gibbs said learning about the auction without prior warning had caused understandable concern.
The group now wants to work with the landowner, local councils and other organisations to ensure the green spaces remain valued, accessible and protected.
Public money and volunteer time invested
Councillor Eamonn Hennessy, who helped arrange funding for the improvement work, described the group as an example of community action.
He said public money and many hours of voluntary effort had been invested in making the land more attractive, accessible and beneficial to wildlife.
Councillor Jonathan Cornthwaite, who represents the area, said the spaces should be maintained for the people of Kirkbie Green and the wider Kendal community.
He said residents and councillors were seeking clarity about the sale and wanted to understand how the work already completed could be protected.
Both councillors said they hoped a positive solution could be reached by working constructively with the owner.
Community seeks protection for land
Residents are now asking what legal or planning protections apply to the sites and whether these will continue after the auction.
The sale of land does not automatically remove existing planning restrictions, rights of access or legal agreements. However, the exact position will depend on the title documents and any conditions attached to the property.
The auction listing’s legal pack may provide further information for potential buyers about ownership, access and restrictions affecting the land.
Kirkbie Green Community Group said its priority was to keep the green spaces open and protected for local people.
Further details may become available as the June 25 auction approaches or after a buyer has been confirmed.
