Last updated at 08:14, Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Plans to build a 38-flat care unit for the elderly have been rejected over concerns over the design and access for emergency services.

The application was submitted by Brampton and Beyond Community Trust and centred on the Irthing Centre in Union Lane.

Developers had hoped to work around existing buildings by integrating the new care facility with the youth centre.

Mike Goodridge, speaking on behalf of the developer, said they had taken an integrated approach to the site and the scale of the development had been determined on economic viability.

But members of Carlisle City Council’s development control committee raised questions over the design and access arrangements.

Councillor Ray Bloxham said there were also concerns over vandalism and added that access was difficult for emergency services using ambulances and fire engines.

And Councillor Hugh McDevitt added that he too had a big concern over emergency services, adding: “It’s not fair to the people who we are putting in there.

“The access to the development is totally wrong.”

Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application.

First published at 08:12, Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk