By John Connell

Last updated at 10:45, Saturday, 12 May 2012

Plans for a 150-home estate that have been “re-submitted” by developers will be treated as a completely new application – despite being identical to the first.

Councillors had voted against an officers’ recommendation to approve the original plans to build the homes following strong objections from nearby residents.

But a spokeswoman from Allerdale council confirmed that Carlisle-based Story Homes’ project, off Moor Road, at Stainburn, Workington, would be treated as a new application and considered on its own merits when it goes before the panel.

Councillors turned down an identical application with a different reference number in March amid claims it was too large and would have an adverse impact to highway safety.

A 307-name petition was handed to the council, which also received 123 letters of objection and it is understood that a local man – Keith Dixon, of Moor Road – has started a new petition to fight the latest plans.

But Story Homes insist that the project would help Allerdale to meet much-needed housing demands and that the officer’s original recommendation of approval should be upheld. They claim it could create up to 225 jobs on site, secure a total of 450 jobs “throughout the supply chain” and had the potential to generate more than £20m for the local economy.

Elsa Brailey, development manager for Home Group, said: “Demand for affordable housing is higher than ever, and any development that would increase the supply of social housing would be a major benefit to the many people who are desperately searching for a suitable property.

“Home Group and Story Homes are keen to work together to meet this increasing demand and provide new homes in Stainburn, and we hope that the re-submitted plans will be approved as soon as possible.”

A spokesman from the group added: “Allerdale has not delivered adequate housing to meet its own targets since 2003.

“Workington is Allerdale’s main settlement which is where most new housing is required.

“Our proposed scheme also delivers 30 units of much needed affordable housing to the area. When our application was first submitted Allerdale’s professional officers considered the site, and its scale, to be suitable and recommended that it be approved accordingly.”

Residents previously raised concerns over flooding and an inadequate sewerage system. But Story Homes had said United Utilities agreed there was sufficient capacity for surface water and foul drainage.

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 12 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk