Story’s 180-home Yearl Rise approved after Secretary of State delay

For the second time in a few months Cumberland Council’s planning committee granted the development earmarked for a 20-acre site off Seaton Road, Workington, after Michael Gove opted not to call the original decision in.

The Secretary of State was asked to look at the plans by Workington MP Mark Jenkinson within weeks of approval being granted to Story Homes by the committee in April.

In a social media post at the time Jenkinson explained his reasons for referral stemmed from what he believed was a shortfall in Section 106 agreements, a lack of affordable housing, and that the development would be contrary to the local plan.

But last month the council was notified that the Secretary of State had decided not to call-in the application, and was content for it to be decided by the authority.

Approval was granted again at this week’s Cumberland Council planning committee meeting and is subject to the development featuring 18 affordable homes, 10% due to the viability of the site.

Conditions also include the creation of a public open space, a play area, and money towards a travel monitoring plan.

These conditions are identical to those included in the original approval.

The scheme comprises a mix of 12 two-bed, 50 three-bed, 96 four-bed, 14 five-bed, and eight six-bed homes.

These are to be spread across nine bungalows, nine mews/terrace dwellings, 66 semi-detached houses, and 96 detached properties.

Urban Green, Eddisons, Coopers, Roger Hannah, Enzygo, and ID GeoEnvironmental are on the project team.

To view the plans, search for reference number FUL/2022/0285 on Cumberland Council’ planning portal.