A decision is set to made on plans for up to 370 new homes in Whitehaven this month.
Copeland council’s planning panel will meet next Tuesday, August 16, to discuss the proposal for a new housing estate on Harras Moor.
Councillors received an update about Homes England’s application, first lodged in 2018, at a recent meeting. The panel refused the scheme in September 2019 – although it was recommended for approval – because they were concerned about road safety and if the roads would be able to cope with the increase in traffic.
An independent survey was carried out, which found there were no justified grounds for refusing the application on the grounds of traffic and transport.
Homes England – which is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Government to accelerate housing building in the country – has also worked with the planning officers to address concerns and lodged an amended application.
The 23-hectare site, currently used for agricultural grazing, is enclosed by the Harras Moor Industrial Estate and Red Lonning to the east; the Highlands to the north; mature ancient woodland known as Midgey Wood to the south; and the homes to the north of Loop Road South to the west.
Planning panel chairwoman of the planning panel Joan Hully agreed to hold the additional meeting so that the plans can be reconsidered.
Councillors will visit the site, before meeting to give their verdict.
Due to the delays in bringing the application back before the panel, proposals have been refreshed. An agreement on off-site highways works will be made with the local highways authority and Highways England.
Changes have also been made to mitigate the impact on ecology and biodiversity.
An assessment on the need for sports provision will also be carried out following an objection from Sport England on the loss of a former sports pitch at the site.
