PLANS for a commercial development offering retail, food and a takeaway have been delayed following impassioned speeches from wildlife experts - who were concerned about the impact on butterflies.

An outline application to build a mixed-use commercial development in Derwent Howe, Workington was deferred by Allerdale Council’s planning panel on Tuesday.

News and Star: An illustration of the proposal by Eden Environment LimitedAn illustration of the proposal by Eden Environment Limited

Councillors called for more evidence about the impact the development could have on the 'small blue' butterfly population after hearing the pleas of objectors.

The proposal is to develop land to the west of the existing Derwent Howe Retail Park, creating another exit point on the mini roundabout it is served by.

The brownfield site is a relic from Workington’s history in rail and steelworks, but has since been reclaimed by mother nature.

Cumbrian butterfly expert Steve Doyle said that the site has since become a key wildlife corridor.

Speaking against the application, Mr Doyle said that his interpretation of planning policy does not support this application.

He said: “It becomes a question of whether the mitigation suggested is satisfactory. It is suggested that 440 square metres of habitat will be lost, but the area of this proposed area is at least four times that total.

“It is not only the area of the old railway tracks themselves that will be lost but the total area is open mosaic habitat used by a wild variety of wildlife include small animals as well, nocturnal, and not simply a patch or two of Kidney Vetch.”

Mr Doyle said that development on the land could be a blow to an already diminishing small blue butterfly population.

“This is a connectivity corridor and not an individual site we’re concerned with and this report does not address the critical issue of habitat connectivity.

“Does the need for yet another fast-food outlet in Derwent Drive warrant such damage to a century-old wildlife area which is very much a result of our industrial heritage? Because that’s what it will amount to, bottom line.”

Speaking on behalf of the agent, Tetra Tech Cockermouth, Grahame Hale said: “Following a lengthy dialogue with the case officer, the proposal has been amended to define a net development zone.

"It will include a significant level of mitigation to retain a substantial portion of the belted trees along the frontage of the site.

“In addition, we have offered a significant mitigation scheme which partially retains stepping-stone islands and secures a new peripheral corridor for the small blue colonies inhabitant.”

Sympathetic to the objectors, Councillor Danny Horsely proposed that the application it deferred for consideration at a future meeting after an up-to-date appraisal is carried out, considering the impact on wildlife.

The motion, which was seconded by Cllr Alan Smith, was passed by nine votes to one.

Cllr Janet Farebrother said that she intended to propose the application is refused but the motion to defer was successful.