By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 12:31, Friday, 05 October 2012

Plans for a housing development have been recommended for approval – despite Cumbria County Council withdrawing its agreement.

The proposed development would be on land at Browside Road, Dearham, and would include 78 homes, plus associated roads and open space.

The plans had already been approved in February, after it was agreed that the developer, Story Homes, would construct a new classroom at Dearham Primary School to accommodate an estimated increase of up to nine pupils.

The deal was part of a section 106 agreement, which was subject to a contribution of £102,000 from Cumbria County Council.

However, the resubmission of the plans to Allerdale council reveals that the county council has backed out. It is believed there have been issues over how much money the developer will spend on the school.

A report to Allerdale councillors states: “Following the resolution to grant planning permission detailed discussions between the parties continued to finalise the S106 agreement.

“In the course of these discussions the county council withdrew their agreement to the approach previously considered by the development panel. It is understood this relates to potential issues relating to procurement procedures.”

It continues: “The developer would still be willing to implement the proposal considered by the panel, subject to the provision of an appropriate financial contribution from the county council.

“Despite ongoing negotiations between the parties it has not been possible to reach agreement with the developer and the county council in respect of an alternative means of addressing the educational need resulting from the development.”

Further talks have been taking place since the collapse of the negotiations, many of which have centred around estimations provided to the county council and the amount of money the developer should be providing. However, planning officers believe there will be a way to appease the two parties, and have recommended the scheme should still be approved.

The S106 agreement would be amended though, requiring the developer to provide a £63,000 contribution to provide increased education provision.

The plans are to be discussed by Allerdale’s development committee on Tuesday.

First published at 11:29, Friday, 05 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk