Approval Recommended for Major New Housing Plan Near Ulverston
Plans for a major new housing development near Ulverston have been recommended for approval.
The proposal is for up to 153 homes on land to the east of Pennington Lane, Cross-a-Moor, Swarthmoor. The site sits near Ulverston and falls within the Pennington parish and the Low Furness and High Furness ward.
The application has been submitted by Oakmere Homes North West Ltd. It seeks outline planning permission, which means the council is being asked to agree the main principle of development before the finer details are decided later.
What Is Being Proposed?
The plans include:
- up to 153 new homes
- 35% affordable housing
- new roads and footpaths
- car parking
- landscaping
- biodiversity improvements
- supporting infrastructure works
The application is an outline application, with all matters reserved except for access. This means the access arrangements are being considered now, while details such as layout, appearance, scale and landscaping would need further approval later.
Based on the 35% affordable housing figure, the scheme could provide around 54 affordable homes, depending on the final number of properties built.
Where Would the Homes Be Built?
The land is to the east of Pennington Lane at Cross-a-Moor, Swarthmoor, near Ulverston.
Swarthmoor is already a growing area, and the proposal would add a large number of homes close to existing roads and local communities.
Because of the size of the scheme, the application is expected to be decided by committee rather than through delegated officer powers. The planning register lists the expected decision level as committee.
Why Approval Has Been Recommended
The application is due to be considered by Westmorland and Furness Council’s Strategic Planning Committee on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Committee papers list the outline application for up to 153 homes at land east of Pennington Lane, Swarthmoor.
A council planning report linked to the committee papers states that the proposal is considered acceptable in principle.
This does not mean the development has already been approved. It means planning officers have recommended approval, with councillors expected to make the final decision.
Local Concerns and Objections
The planning register shows a large number of neighbour responses and consultation documents linked to the application. These include comments from local residents, councils and public bodies.
Common concerns with large housing schemes often include traffic, road safety, pressure on services, drainage, loss of green space and the effect on nearby homes. The register also shows responses from groups including highways, ecology, United Utilities, Natural England and local councils.
The level of public interest suggests the plans are likely to remain closely watched by people.
Affordable Housing Included in the Scheme
One of the main points in the proposal is the inclusion of 35% affordable housing.
Affordable housing can include homes for rent, shared ownership or other lower-cost housing options. Depending on what is agreed through the planning process.
For an application of up to 153 homes, this could make a notable contribution to local housing supply. However, the exact type, size and mix of affordable homes would depend on later planning details and legal agreements.
Access and Roads
Access is the only detailed matter being considered as part of the outline application.
This is important because a development of this size would bring more traffic to the area. The application documents include transport and travel plan material, along with highways consultation responses.
If outline permission is granted, further details would still need to be agreed before building work could begin.
What Happens Next?
Councillors on the Strategic Planning Committee will consider the application and decide whether to approve or refuse it.
If approved, the developer would still need to return with further details through later planning applications. These would cover matters such as:
- the final layout of the estate
- house designs
- landscaping
- public open space
- drainage
- detailed road arrangements
- the final housing mix
The planning register currently lists the application status as officer consideration, with the decision still pending.
A Significant Housing Decision for the Ulverston Area
The Swarthmoor proposal is one of the larger housing plans currently linked to the Ulverston area.
Supporters are likely to point to the need for new homes, including affordable homes. Opponents may remain concerned about traffic, infrastructure and the effect on the local village setting.
The final decision will rest with councillors, who will need to weigh the benefits of new housing against the concerns raised during the planning process.
