PLANS for 23 new houses in Whitehaven have been rejected – after councillors were warned that “somebody would be killed” on a road with “rat run” traffic.

Members of Copeland Council's planning panel have gone against their own officers’ advice and voted 4-5 against the proposed development at Harras Moor.

Increased traffic and highways safety were cited as reasons to refuse the application, which has been put forward by John Swift Homes Ltd.

A final decision has now been deferred until the next meeting of the planning panel in March.

Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward on Whitehaven Town Council, spoke in objection to the scheme, at the meeting held on Wednesday.

He said: “Visibility along Harras Road is very poor along the full length of the highway.

“The cumulative effect of ‘rat run’ traffic at the top of the road is having a detrimental effect on the whole area.

“The declivity of the road during winter conditions and very poor drainage and field water run off issues make for very dangerous driving conditions.”

Mike Gracey, a Harras Moor resident, said if the scheme was to go ahead,  43,000 vehicles would go past St James' Junior School a week.

He said: “This is criminal for this road. It is totally unsuitable. It’s unclassified. If there was a category below unclassified, this road would be in it.

“The way Harras Moor is, God forbid somebody is going to get killed on it.”

Michael Sandelands, agent for the developer, told the panel: “The houses proposed are a greater mix of houses to meet local need. The scheme includes three affordable homes, which exceeds the minimum requirement for 10 per cent.

“The biggest benefit in terms of highways, is the traffic calming scheme. This will introduce a level of traffic calming onto Harars Road.

“There will be four separate sets of speed tables, which would be opposite each access. This will slow traffic.”

Councillors who voted to refuse the application were asked to give reasons for doing so.

Cllr Linda Jones-Bulman said: “Encouraging families to cross a dangerous road to access a narrow and in some places, non-existing footpath and adding more traffic to an over-saturated road. It’s already busy with traffic.”

Cllr Jackie Bowman said: “I have grave concerns about the flooding and the highways issue.”

Cllr Graham Calvin said: “Accumulative traffic – we are getting more and more on this unclassified road. I have real concerns about the footpath.”

The application is one of a number of developments planned for Harras Moor – with plans for 85 houses at Harras Dyke Farm given the go-ahead last year.

An appeal has also been lodged with the Government by Homes England against the planning panel’s decision to refuse plans for 370 houses at Harras Moor.

READ MORE: Appeal lodged against decision to refuse 370 houses at Harras Moor