AN appeal has been lodged against a council’s decision to refuse plans for a major housing estate in Whitehaven.

Controversial plans put forward by Homes England to build 370 houses at Harras Moor were rejected by councillors due to road safety concerns.

Members on Copeland Council's planning panel voted to refuse the application in September 2019 and the decision was deferred.

Councillors then went against their own officers’ advice for a second time when they voted against the proposed development in August last year.

Now Homes England has filed an appeal with the Government against the decision to refuse the scheme, which would see houses built on land surrounded by the Highlands, Hillcrest and Red Lonning housing estates.

Vehicle access would be via Harras Road and Caldbeck Road.

Mike Starkie, elected mayor of Copeland, said: “Councillors went against professional advice on two occasions. This site was allocated in the local plan as a housing site.

READ MORE: Investors and professionals put off by 'continued housing disapproval', says councillor

“The council officers have recommended approval. Paid £10,000 for an independent report which also recommended approval.

“Despite advice from professionals, they decided they knew better. Some members of the planning panel chose to vote against the professional advice they had been offered.

“We now face an appeal, which in all probability, we will lose, with a potential cost to the council of six figures.

“All they have done is delay it.”

Mike Gracey, a Harras Moor resident who spoke against the application when it went before the planning panel, said: “The objection wasn’t the 370 houses. It’s all about the access at Harras Road.

“The Government have got to listen to us first. They have got to reject the appeal.”

Joseph Ghayouba, who represents Whitehaven Central on Copeland Council, said: "It's a shame the developer has opted to force through this development without listening and working with residents for a solution that will deliver much needed affordable housing and address the safety concerns of residents."

A Homes England spokesperson said: “We have been working closely with Copeland Borough Council and other key stakeholders to develop plans for up to 370 new homes at Harras Moor, Whitehaven.

READ MORE: Plans for 370 houses at Harras Moor in Whitehaven refused for a second time

“Whilst we’re disappointed that the outline planning application was refused in August 2022, the Harras Moor site continues to be a proposed allocation for residential development in the emerging Copeland Local Plan.

“Aligned with the ambitions of the Council, we intend to continue to bring forward a scheme that meets the needs of the local community and will therefore be appealing against this decision.”

Members of the planning panel who voted against the scheme were approached by The Whitehaven News.