Homes England moves forward with Whitehaven site

Homes England’s outline planning application for 370 houses at Harras Moor, just off the A595 outside Whitehaven, will go before Copeland Council’s planning committee tomorrow.

The housing body has put forward the proposals for the 57-acre site, which sits between the existing Highlands and Hillcrest housing estates. It is currently used as agricultural pasture although a portion to the north was formerly used as a quarry.

Homes England’s outline proposals are for up to 370 houses, with layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping all set aside for a future reserved matters planning application.

Access to the site is proposed via Harras Road, through a spur of Cadbeck Road which is currently a dead end.

Density of homes on the site is expected to be around 16 dwellings per 2.5 acres, with 17.3 acres set aside for open green space and ecological areas. The density is said by Homes England to be consistent with the nearby housing estates. The housing mix will vary but 15% of the units are proposed as affordable.

The plans are also still being consulted on by Homes England, and Copeland Council’s planners have recommended that the council’s planning committee undertake a site visit before any outline application is determined.

WYG is acting as planner for the project.