Gleeson gains approval on Copeland resi scheme

The housebuilder has secured consent for 29 homes in Egremont from Copeland Council.

The 2.3-acre greenfield site is next to Fell View Drive, and is bounded by residential developments to the north, east, and south, and to open countryside to the west.

A mixture of two, three, and four-bedroom houses are proposed, with three set to be affordable at 20% below market price.

Concerns were raised by the council on the scheme’s parking, claiming this was “inadequate”. Ahead of the committee, clarification on access to the site was also requested, along with further public consultation for local residents likely to be impacted by the development.

Cumbria Highways objected to the scheme and recommended it for refusal due to the lack of clarity surrounding proposed footpath widths, concern over inadequate parking, and the lack of information surrounding proposed streetlights.

An additional eight letters of objection were put forward, which commented on the loss of light and privacy for those developments adjacent, and the possible reduction of house values by bringing more to the market and through the loss of the views.

However, the council decided to back the scheme, arguing it would work towards its ambitions in its Local Plan. According to the plan, 10% of new housing should be in Egremont, and the council said it “recognises that Egremont may have the potential to accommodate a larger share of housebuilding. This development would contribute to improving the housing offer and mix in the town.”