PLANS have been approved for over 60 homes in Longtown despite the Parish Council saying there are ‘great concerns’ for the development in the area.

Plans were submitted for the building of 62 new homes with associated Infrastructure on land to southeast of St Michaels Drive, Brampton Road, Longtown back in November 2022.

Residents raised objections around the project saying that local facilities such as doctors and schools were at their capacity, and unable to cope with any new homes, sewerage systems that they say aren’t able to cope with any new development as well as increased volumes of traffic and congestion.

A representative of the Arthuret Parish Council said: “There is a great concern of over development of the area.”

Councillor Tim Pickstone also sent a video message to state his objections as the local councillor for the area.

One other objector said she had felt compelled to ‘say her piece’ after communication with Gleeson.

She said: “I’d like to thank you for letting me speak at this planning hearing, whilst I truly believe this may be a futile act for the next three minutes, I feel I wish to say my piece as I for one still believe in the democratic process, this is despite being told on numerous occasions by Gleeson representatives this is a done deal and they will be building on this agricultural land within the year.”

A representative for Gleeson Homes said: “This is not the case, we understand there is a democratic process, we enjoy that, and we welcome that, that is why we are here.”

The representative said that 18 of the homes would be affordable to a young couple on the national living wage threshold due to the company’s commitment to providing affordable housing.

The Gleeson representative added: “I hope you can all support a scheme that has been tentatively designed, provides for first time buyers and other value driven customers, creates jobs and investment, supports local infrastructure and is supported by statutory consultees.”

At a meeting of the Cumberland Council planning committee yesterday, August 27 the council’s planning committee voted to approve the development with conditions.