A NEW 29-home development in Egremont has been given the go-ahead despite some concerns from nearby residents.

The proposed new houses will be built on greenfield land next to Fell View Drive, in the town and will be accessed from that estate.

The proposal, from Gleeson Homes, was rubber-stamped by Copeland council’s planning and place manager Nick Hayhurst after councillors had previously supported the application.

Egremont Town Council had raised concerns over access and parking and the plans were revised to include increased parking areas which were welcomed.

The development will be a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroomed semi-detached homes, with three ‘affordable’ homes included.

Initially eight letters of objection were received by the council that raised loss of light and privacy with additional traffic also a concern.

There were also worries over school places, with letters saying that the existing primary school was full to capacity.

Copeland borough and Egremont town councillor Mike McVeigh welcomed the new development.

“As with any new estate, there are always some concerns raised over mess and people want as little disruption as possible,” he said.

“This is a recognised company that is building and we want to see as little concerns for existing residents as possible.

“But I do think there is always a need for new houses. And I look forward to seeing them go up as quickly as possible.”

The development would be built around a single spine road, forming a cul-de-sac with homes having shared access drives.

Each home would have a small front garden and driveway for off-street parking with large gardens to the back. Most would also have garages.