VILLAGERS fighting plans to build more than 160 homes managed to raise over £2,500 to hire a planning consultant, who put forward their case against the scheme.

Action group Stop Gleeson Homes @Houghton is protesting against developer Gleeson Homes’ plans to 163 homes to an agricultural field at Brunstock Lane, Houghton. 

The residents paid for the consultant to submit a formal letter of objection on their behalf.

The development put forward will comprise of a mix of 2,3 and 4-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes. 

On the planning portal, various concerns been raised by the community questioning whether the build will strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation, all the while not adding to an 'already strained' infrastructure. 

Stanwix Rural Parish Council voted unanimously to strongly object to the application at a meeting on June 14.

The deadline for objections came to a close on Monday, July 31.

Developer Gleeson has said however the build will help deliver extra council tax funding, homes for first-time buyers as well as help sustain and create jobs for the local community. 

£13,855,000 is estimated to be spent on labour, goods and services in constructing the build. 

Responding to the objections last month, a spokesperson from Gleeson Homes said: "We appreciate that some residents will have concerns relating to the development in Houghton and we have designed this scheme to ensure that it is resilient to climate change, incorporating sustainable drainage systems to reduce the chance of flooding and installing air source heat pumps within each home.

"A third of the site’s total area will remain undeveloped to allow the planting of hedges and wildflower meadows, increasing biodiversity on the development by at least 10 per cent.

“In response to residents’ concerns relating to increased demand on local infrastructure, we are working closely with Cumberland Council to ensure that there is no unnecessary pressure on the road network, with Houghton benefitting from excellent transport links to the motorway and city centre.

“Prior to the launch of our two Carlisle-based developments, we funded additional school places and we will be working closely with the council to ensure children living in our homes have school places within their catchment area," they said.