PLANS to build over 100 homes in Penrith have been given the green light.

Members of the strategic planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council approved proposals from Barratt Homes to construct 105 new homes on land at Carleton Road.

The proposed development will consist of a range of properties from two-bedroom mews to four-bedroom detached houses.

 

According to planning documents the proposed development will have 31 affordable homes which will consist of 11 homes for affordable rent, 10 for shared ownership and 10 for discounted sale.

On the number of affordable homes councillor Frank Cassidy (Walney Island, Labour) said: “ I think as far as this committee’s concerned it’s quite important that this application has reached the 30 per cent target.”

 

The site covers an area of 4.18 hectares and is currently used as grazing land for livestock associated with the farm.

 

Agent for the applicant Harry Tonge said: “The development will deliver significant economic benefits including £15.7 million in construction investment over a three-and-a-half-year build programme.

 

“85 jobs supported each year during construction, new home bonus of around £764,000 for the council and an estimated 127 economically active residents living in the houses, generating an annual household expenditure of around £2.9 million and £216,000 estimated annual increase in council tax revenue.”

 

According to a report prepared for the committee, the plans received an objection from Penrith Town Council who raised concerns over housing density on the site as well as the potential of the development to add congestion to roads.

 

In response to the proposals, the town council also stated: “Although it is pleasing to see the addition of open green space in the centre of the site as a community space for residents to meet, there is no secure fenced play area with multi activity play equipment anywhere on the site.

 

“This together with open the open community space is essential for young families.”

 

The local highways authority has also requested £99,147 from the developers towards a footway link between the site and a crossing point southwest of the development as well as kerbing the edge of Carleton Road.

 

Members of the strategic planning committee approved the application on May 15 at the County Hall in Kendal.