CONCERNS about sinkholes were raised ahead of the decision to approve new homes on former mining land.

The granting of permission for 22 homes on land at Peter Gate, Cumwhinton, near Carlisle, was one that split planners.

Members of Carlisle City Council’s development control committee voted six to five in favour of the controversial plan.

Councillor Barry Earp could not shake off his concerns that the development was on a site which has previously been mined.

He said: “What I don’t want to see is that in 20, 30 or even 40 years, suddenly a very large hole appears.

“I lived in the village for over 19 years. About 20 or 30 years ago a house, only about 150 yards from this site, disappeared overnight. “I’m not going to approve any application that in my mind is a danger to the population of this authority.”

Story Homes wants to build 20 four and five-bedroom homes and two three-bedroom semi-detached houses on the site.

The developer also agreed to change the use of some of its land, which it will gift to Cumwhinton Primary School for education purposes.


Lucy Patrick Councillor Lucy Patrick said: “I don’t think anyone on this committee would want to make a decision they felt was irresponsible in any way or put potential residents at risk. We have to look at what is in the report.

“It has said the risk is negligible. It seems like a a good application that’s going to benefit the local school and provide some affordable housing.”

The application received 15 objections and three letters in favour.