MEMBERS of the public have objected to plans to build affordable homes in a village near Keswick.

Although the plans are indicative at this stage, they provide for the potential to build a mixture of two and three-bedroom properties on land west of the A66 at Braithwaite.

In total 12 properties are planned, along with gardens and parking.

The plans have been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority and show a vision for eight properties around a central courtyard area and suggests that these properties might vary in height and scale.

There are also proposals for four detached properties to be located in the southern part of the site and which would be also accessed via the courtyard development.

The applicant, Hallgarth Estate, stated: “It is noted that Allerdale Borough Council as local housing authority recently confirmed that two-bedroom affordable houses are one of the highest areas of need in the 'North Distinctive Area'.

“Annual need for two-bedroom units across the whole area is 27 per cent of the overall surveyed need – this rises to 38 per cent in Keswick’s Hallgarth Estate, in support of a planning application which seeks outline consent for the erection of 12 dwellings together with access and layout at the triangular are of land, west of A66, Braithwaite, near Keswick.”

One letter of objection submitted by a member of the public raise concerns about the threat to wildlife.

“The location is in an area with extensive wildlife, including red squirrels. The proposed development would have a significantly detrimental effect on the biodiversity of the location

“It is social housing that Braithwaite needs, not market housing, and the proposed development would fail in that regard.”

The letter continued: “As a resident at Gatesgarth, directly across the road, the proposed development would have both a negative impact on the value of my property and impair the rural nature of the area.”

Another added their concerns saying: “Braithwaite needs affordable housing for local occupancy rather than market housing which makes up the majority of the proposed development.”

Above Derwent Parish Council (ADPC) has stated that it is to raise no objections. The plans can be viewed at Lake District National Park Authority, ref: 7/2021/2211.