Plans for 70 New Homes Near Whitehaven Given Go-Ahead
Plans for 70 new homes in West Cumbria have been approved.
John Swift Homes has been given the go-ahead for the development in the Moor Row area, near Whitehaven.
Cumberland Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the proposal when members met on Wednesday, May 27.
The homes will be built on an 8.36-hectare site close to Summergrove Park, West Lakes Science Park and Summergrove Hall.
The site is currently greenfield land used for agricultural grazing.
Where the New Homes Will Be Built
The proposed development site is in the Moor Row area.
It is bordered by Summergrove Park to the north and West Lakes Science Park to the south.
Summergrove Hall and agricultural land sit to the west of the site. To the east are the disused Galemire Quarry, agricultural land and Dalzell Street.
The site includes two parcels of land separated and enclosed by mature planting.
Planning permission is already in place for up to 40 self-build homes on the wider site.
What the Development Includes
The approved plans are for 70 homes.
A previous committee report said the scheme would include 22 two-bedroom homes and 48 three-bedroom homes.
Ten per cent of the properties are expected to be affordable homes.
Access to the development is proposed through a new junction from Dalzell Street.
A pavement and cycle link is also planned. This would connect to Summergrove Park and could double as emergency vehicle access.
A separate pavement link is also proposed towards West Lakes Science Park and Summergrove Hall.
Residents Raised Traffic Concerns
Fifteen objections were lodged with the council.
A main concern was traffic safety in the area.
Objectors said Dalzell Street is already used as a rat-run by some drivers. They also raised concerns about its history of accidents and the possible impact of more vehicles using the road.
Resident Norma Charters asked for traffic calming measures to be introduced.
Traffic concerns are common in planning applications for new housing. Residents often worry that extra homes will mean more cars, more pressure at junctions and more risk for pedestrians.
Swift Bricks Discussed at Meeting
Cllr Roger Dobson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Corby and Hayton, asked whether the developer had proposed swift bricks in the new homes.
Swift bricks are built into properties to provide nesting spaces for swifts and other small birds.
The committee was told that the inclusion of swift bricks could be imposed through a planning condition.
These features are increasingly discussed in housing applications because they can support biodiversity in new developments.
Why the Decision Matters
The decision means another housing scheme can now move forward in West Cumbria.
Supporters of new housing often point to the need for more homes, including smaller and more affordable properties.
The development’s location near West Lakes Science Park may also appeal to people working in the area.
However, the approval also shows the tension between housing demand and local concerns.
For residents near the site, the main issues remain traffic, road safety and the effect of building on greenfield land.
What Happens Next
The development has now been approved by Cumberland Council’s planning committee.
The permission is expected to be subject to planning conditions.
These may cover issues such as highways work, access, drainage, landscaping, biodiversity measures and the delivery of affordable housing.
Once those requirements are dealt with, the developer will be able to move the scheme forward.
The approval marks a major step for the 70-home plan near Moor Row, but residents will now be watching closely to see how the development is delivered.
