A date has been set for a public hearing where a planning inspector will consider whether a housing scheme in Barrow can go ahead after the developer appealed against the council’s decision to turn it down.
Mulberry Homes has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after Westmorland and Furness Council refused plans from the developer to build 19 houses on land south of Leece Lane.
A public hearing which is expected to last two days is set to take place on November 19 at Barrow Town Hall.
In appeal documents, the developer says the proposals would deliver sustainable, high-quality development to the area.
Members of Barrow-in-Furness local area planning committee turned down the application in February after receiving a report by planning officers which said the scheme appeared to be based on quantity rather than quality.
The decision notice issued by the council said: “It appears tightly packed and cramped, utilises standard dwelling types, with inadequate dysfunctional parking arrangements, a lack of identifiable public open space, including play space, and it would fail to compliment the adjacent Green Wedge.
“The result is a scheme which appears to be based on quantity rather than quality or good urban design principles, and lacking assimilation into the context of the area.
“In addition, the proposal fails to meet requirements in terms of energy efficiency and designing out crime.
“The layout, form and scale of buildings is not based on an understanding of the existing situation, including patterns of built form as well as the local vernacular and the development of the south side of Leece Lane and other precedents that contribute to local character.”
However, the appellant says the proposal does not give rise to any in principle highways issues, provides a ‘suitable level’ of car parking and would not harm or prejudice highway safety.
Appeal documents added the development would provide affordable housing and result in an biodiversity net gain.
The proposed development consists of two- to five-bedroom properties and two affordable homes would have been provided.
A design and access statement submitted by the applicant said: “This site is readily available and deliverable and would sit seamlessly into the surrounding area and would merely become an extension of what is already there whilst providing infill between the existing Kempass Avenue, and Rosewood Grove to the North, whilst later having the benefit of sustainable development.
“Developments such as these will provide much needed growth for the community as well as a district, whilst forming much needed housing for local families.”
The proposed site is located to the east of Roose and would have fronted Leece Lane, which has existing residential development on the other side.
To the east of the site is an area owned by the applicant called Green Wedge where further planting is proposed and to the south lies open countryside, according to the planning statement.
