A CONTROVERSIAL housing scheme that would have seen nearly 200 homes built near Whitehaven has been withdrawn.

Reiver Homes, a division of Story Contracting, had last year put forward plans for 194 homes on land between Westlakes Science and Technology Park and Summergrove.

However Copeland Borough Council has listed the application as withdrawn, with a decision date of December 10.

The application had provoked objections from a number of residents.

Graham Roberts, then mayor of Whitehaven, said: “I am concerned that this random and irrational house building will result in little or no green areas of the town left.”

Resident Craig White posted: “Absolute joke.”

For information about the application go to: www.copeland.gov.uk/view-and-comment-planning-applications

Application number: 4/19/2126/0F1