Plans to build a retail and hot food takeaway development in Workington are set to be given the go-ahead.
Allerdale council’s development panel will meet on Tuesday and discuss the proposal for land west of Derwent Howe.
The site is along the route of a former disused railway line and the application has been made by Port Derwent Properties Ltd, based in Horsham.
Councillors deferred making a decision on the application when it was first considered in March, after hearing concerns from objectors.
They asked for more information about the impact it could have on the Small Blue butterfly population.
The area has the only substantial population in the North – the brownfield site is a relic from Workington’s history in rail and steelworks but has since been reclaimed by mother nature.
Cumbrian butterfly expert Steve Doyle said that the site has since become a key wildlife corridor.
Councillors also wanted to know more about the potential to retain an informal walking route on the site.
The outline application is for the development to include mixed retail, food and hot food takeaway. It is a speculative application and no firm plans are in place, a report to councillors says. Port Derwent Properties list its business as buying and selling of own real estate on Companies House.
The plans include a 90-space car park.
Officers are recommending that councillors approve the application subject to conditions.
A report said: “Following member ’s deferral resolution at the panel meeting the applicant has provided a further updated ecology survey and revised the layout plans developable area.”
Officers said they were satisfied with steps taken by the applicant to protect wildlife. The report added: “Whilst the presence of Small Blue butterfly colonies and habitat is evident in the locality, the applicant has offered a mitigation scheme partially retaining islands and securing a new peripheral corridor for butterflies which compensates for any loss and retains the connectivity linkage along the route of the disused line.”
Workington Town Council has raised an objection. It said the development would have a “very negative impact on town centre vitality”.
The plans include creating another exit point on the mini roundabout and Cumbria County Council, as lead highways authority, raised initial concerns about access from Derwent Drive but after receiving additional information, it is confident the necessary changes can be made.
