Lake District to consider 129 Keswick homes

Atkinson Homes’ application represents the second phase of a housing development, known as the Sheepdog Field Extension, which will add more than a hundred units to the 50 already built.

The housebuilder, with designer Green Swallow Architects, wants to build 129 homes in a mix of affordable and open market housing across apartments, bungalows, and houses – should it receive consent from the Lake District National Park Authority Council.

Green Swallow North, which encompasses Green Swallow Architects, is the planning consultant for the application.

Proposals outline a rentable property offer consisting of 22 two-, 29 three-, and five four-bedroom homes, while for affordable home ownership, 11 two-, 17 three-, and three four-bedroom homes would be offered, totalling 87 properties.

The remaining 42 would be sold on the open market, an offer featuring two two-, 15 three-, and 25 four-bedroom homes.

A central loop road runs around the scheme. Credit: via planning documents

A looped access road would serve the development off Calvert Way, with cul-de-sac roads branching out of the main route to house the maximum two-storey houses.

Residents would have access to 260 parking spaces, while their guests could choose from the 23 visitor spots.

Penrith-based Atkinson Homes’ construction arm, Atkinson Building Contractors, is set to undertake the build.

A spokesperson for Atkinson Homes said: “[We] are pleased to have submitted plans for a new housing development that directly addresses the growing housing needs of the local community within the vibrant Lake District town of Keswick and its surroundings.

“Of the 129 homes proposed, 123 are designated for local occupancy, ensuring that the benefits of this development stay within the community.

“In addition, and most importantly, 87 of these homes will not only be for people with a local connection but also be designated as affordable properties, providing much-needed opportunities for local families, young people and key workers to remain in the area.

“We are working closely with registered housing providers, Home Group and locally formed volunteer-led community land trust, Keswick Community Housing Trust with regards to management of the affordable homes following completion.”

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“A mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and private ownership tenures offers genuine choice. We believe that the development will play a vital role in supporting and sustaining a community to thrive for many years to come.

“The scheme has been shaped with local need at its heart, prioritising those with a local connection, but also delivering on identified housing need.”

Those working on the project include TPS Consultants, BuildingDesignNorthern, AJT Environmental Consultants, Yew Tree and Gardens, Cumbria Tree Surveys, and EnviroTech.

To view the application, use the planning reference number 7/2025/2141 on the Lake District National Park Authority’s planning portal.