STORY Homes has secured planning consent for 67 new homes on land at Thursby.

The application was previously refused twice by Allerdale Borough Council, but following a four day inquiry which took place in December 2022, the Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal, meaning that Story Homes can move forward with its plans.

The development, which will be named St Andrew’s Gardens, will include a range of two to six-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes, featuring internal layouts that offer ‘modern, open plan living spaces’ and exterior details that create ‘unique street scenes’ according to Story Homes.

Both planning applications were previously recommended for approval by Allerdale Borough Council’s Planning Officers, however the Development Panel twice went against those recommendations and voted to refuse the application in April and July 2022.

At the time, a common thread in the concerns of local residents was the proximity of the land on St Andrews Road to a wind turbine, an increase in traffic, and the noise from both.

Senior Development Planner, David Hayward, said: “We are delighted that the Planning Inspectorate has allowed our appeal for 67 new homes at Thursby.

“Our development will make an important contribution towards housing delivery, including the provision of new affordable homes.”

St Andrew’s Gardens will deliver a number of 'affordable homes' within the development, with three of these being specifically available for purchase by first time buyers, through the Government’s First Home Scheme.

The affordable homes will be available to those that live locally which the company say will allow locals to stay close to where they already live or have family connections.

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David continued “We appreciate how difficult it is at the moment for people to take their first steps on the property ladder, which is why we are pleased to be able to offer a number of starter homes at St Andrew’s Gardens, through the First Homes Scheme”.

Story Homes also recently launched its Mortgage Assist scheme to help ease the financial pressure on first time buyers and those looking to move up the housing ladder.

As part of the scheme, the housebuilder will contribute up to one year of mortgage payments so customers can confidently secure their dream Story home.

Story Homes anticipates that work will start on-site early summer 2023.