Plans for 180 new homes in a West Cumbrian village have been unanimously approved despite almost 300 objections.
The application from Story Homes for land at Yearl Rise in Seaton was approved by members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee yesterday, Wednesday, April 24.
The land, to the north east of Calva Farm, Seaton Road, is a large field.
Story Homes wants to build nine bungalows, nine terraces, 66 semi-detached, and 96 detached dwellings.
All would have solar panels and access to charging points.
Planning officer Alison Williams told members that normally the percentage of affordable housing would be 20% but, in this case, it would be 10% – or 18 properties, which would be spread throughout the site.
She said it was recommended for approval, subject to getting the agreement on the affordable homes, and a number of planning conditions.
One villager, who objected to the development, said the right of way was unsuitable and unlit and there were road safety issues at a nearby school which would be further exacerbated if the development was approved.
Councillor Jimmy Grisdale (Seaton, Labour) said that the land had a building restriction placed on it and the former Allerdale council had a made a mistake when it was put in the local plan as a suitable site for development.
He added: “It will be the death of Seaton which will become part of Workington.”
He said that there were drainage issues at the site and a local resident, who had lived there for 60 years, had told him that the field was like a sponge when it rained.
In a letter, Seaton parish council councillor Kimberly Teasdale said that a traffic survey had been carried out during Covid-19 restrictions when the volume of vehicles would have been lower than normal.
An agent representing Story Homes said the site was an allocated part of Workington and 28 homes per hectare fitted with planning policy.
Cllr Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said he was concerned that the number of affordable homes had been reduced to 10%.
Ms Williams said that while it was normally 20% sometimes a flexible approach was required.
She said there had been discussions with the applicant and 20% was not viable but 10%, which was the minimum, was.
Cllr Dobson said he was concerned about the number of six-bedroom properties and added: “In my experience there aren’t many six-bed houses around.”
Ms Williams said there could be a demand for “multi-generational” shared houses and it was a small proportion at only eight properties.
Cllr Bob Kelly (Millom, Labour) said they had to balance the objections from the parish council and local residents but added: “There is a need for housing. I think it’s disappointing that the affordable houses have been reduced.”
Cllr Andrew Semple (Cockermouth South, Labour) said he did not understand why the number of affordable homes had been reduced.
Jane Meek, the council’s assistant director of thriving place and investment, said the percentage did vary and it was a “basis for negotiation”.
She said factors such as the developer’s profit were considered and a viability assessment was produced by the applicant, which was scrutinised by the council, and there was an option to go back and ask for more affordable homes.
Cllr Chris Southward (Denton Holme, Labour) proposed that they approve the application, and he was seconded by Cllr Dobson, and they were unanimously supported by the rest of the committee.
Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has written to the Government, asking it to call in the decision.
