Plans submitted for 370 new homes on edge of Barrow along Rakesmoor Lane
Plans have been submitted for a large new housing development on the edge of Barrow.
Holker Group is seeking outline planning permission for up to 370 homes on land off Rakesmoor Lane, near Hawcoat.
The proposed neighbourhood would cover five parcels of land totalling around 46.7 acres. Planning documents estimate that it could cost £86.6 million to build.
Mix of homes planned
The application is currently at the outline stage. This means the main principle of building homes on the land is being considered first.
Full details of the house designs, layout and materials would be submitted later if outline permission is granted.
Early plans suggest the development could include homes with between two and five bedrooms.
At least 37 properties would be classed as affordable housing. However, the final mix and type of homes would be decided through a future reserved matters application.
Site allocated for fewer homes
The land is already allocated for housing in the existing Barrow Local Plan.
However, the local plan identified the site for around 107 homes. The new proposal is for up to 370, more than three times that figure.
This increase is likely to be one of the main issues considered by planners, alongside traffic, drainage, local services and the impact on nearby homes.
How would drivers enter the development?
Two new priority junctions would be created from Rakesmoor Lane.
Part of the existing road would also be diverted through the development and widened.
The plans include new footpaths and cycle routes designed to connect different parts of the site.
Open space and play areas included
Around 17 acres of the site would remain as open space.
The proposed green areas include:
- An orchard trail
- Children’s play areas
- Green corridors
- New trees
- Footpaths and cycleways
- Sustainable drainage basins
The drainage areas would be designed to manage rainwater and reduce pressure on the wider drainage system.
Linked to growth at BAE Systems
Holker Group says the development is being planned in response to expected job growth at BAE Systems.
Investment at the Barrow shipyard is expected to create up to 7,500 jobs over the next 15 years. The developer believes this will lead to much higher demand for housing across the town.
Holker Homes chief executive Allen Gibb previously said Barrow would need a greater number of homes, with different sizes and tenures, to meet the needs of the growing workforce.
Development could take more than 6 years
Planning documents estimate that construction would take around six and a half years.
Once all the homes were built and occupied, the development could generate an estimated £883,930 in council tax each year.
The exact start date would depend on planning approval and the submission of more detailed plans.
Concerns raised over greenfield land
Some local campaigners have already raised concerns about building on the agricultural land.
A campaign website opposing the plans has highlighted possible effects on nearby watercourses, surface-water drainage and the risk of extra runoff from roads, roofs and driveways. These are objections raised by campaigners and will need to be assessed through the formal planning process.
The council will also consider comments from residents, highways officers, environmental bodies and other organisations before reaching a decision.
How to view or comment on the application
The application has been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council.
Residents can search for it through the Barrow planning portal using reference:
B01/2026/0274
The proposal has not yet been approved. Outline permission must first be granted before the developer can submit the final layout and detailed designs.
