Controversial plans for 67 homes in Thursby given green light

Plans for 67 new homes in Thursby have been given the go-ahead by the Government.

Story Homes’ plan for the development was refused twice by Allerdale planners, but following a four-day inquiry in December, the Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal, meaning that Story Homes can move forward with its plans.

The development, St Andrew’s Gardens, will include a range of two to six-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes.

Both planning applications were previously recommended for approval by Allerdale council’s planning officers, but members of the authority’s development panel voted to refuse the proposal in April and July.

In July, the panel turned down the plans for phase two of development at St Andrew’s View, due to concerns that living conditions would be poor.

Road noise and flicker from the nearby wind turbine were all issues raised by objectors. The application was previously refused at a meeting in April as councillors believed the housing development would fail to provide an acceptable level of amenity for residents.

Councillors said that it could fail to meet this basic need for a number of reasons including exposure of residents to unacceptable levels of noise from the nearby main road or from the wind turbine.

Recommending that the homes are approved, planning officer Rebecca Wilson said: “In response to that, additional studies have been undertaken with regard to noise and mitigation has been set out.”

Story Homes removed ventilation units from the plans in response to concerns, replacing them with acoustic vents.

In April, after almost three hours of scrutiny, Story Homes’ bid was refused by councillors. Members of Allerdale council’s development panel were sympathetic to the pleas of several Thursby residents, who spoke against the application.

Story Homes said it was hoped work will start on the estate this summer.