Controversial plan for 112 new homes near Carlisle get go-ahead

Cumbrian housebuilder Story Homes has been given the go-ahead for 112 new homes near Carlisle – its first development in the area for three years.

Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee met yesterday, Wednesday, June 5, and agreed that the development, on land south of the A69 at Scotby, could be built.

Wetheral Parish Council and Scotby residents opposed the plan.

They argued that the build would result in overdevelopment and could have implications for the success of St Cuthbert’s Garden Village.

They said the proposed access point onto Scotby Road near a busy and junction with the A69 Euroroute was a safety concern, particularly in emergencies.

The committee discussed the proposal in August last year, but deferred a decision because there was confusion over whether the boundary, where the hedgerow was located, had been correctly placed.

Thirty-three of the new homes will be classed as affordable and Story Homes said it will contribute over £358,000 to the community in line with the Section 106 Agreement requirements for the scheme. It includes contributions towards open space, sports and recreation, new primary school places, highways and travel improvements.

Due to significant delays within the planning system, including nutrient neutrality mitigation, Story Homes has been unable to bring forward any new residential developments in the Carlisle area since permission was granted for its Oakleigh Fields development at Orton Road in 2021, it said.

Work on the new development is set to begin early next year.