PLANS for a number of 'affordable' homes in Brampton have been unanimously approved despite a number of local objections.

An application for outline planning permission was submitted to Cumberland Council by the trustees of the Greenside Estate for land between the Newcastle Road (A6071) and Station Road.

The Warren Fields development was considered my members of the planning committee this month in the Civic Centre in Carlisle.

Members had to reach a decision because the application was on a windfall site, the scale of the proposed development was significant in the context of Brampton and the site more than two hectares in area.

Indicative plans showed 75 'affordable' homes and five custom build dwellings being built on the site.

Planning officer Stephen Daniel told members that Home Group had expressed an interest in the site which would provide "much needed affordable housing" with the number of properties limited to 80.

One objector who spoke at the meeting said the development was "not sympathetic with the surroundings" and added: "This is rural land and it's an area of outstanding natural beauty."

Susan Button, from Station Road, said the site was not in the local plan and that more houses would lead to more pressure on local services. She added: "This development is not necessary, and it could be prejudicial to planned developments."

Paul Walton, from PWA Planning, spoke on behalf of the applicant and said: "I am confident the scheme will raise the bar for affordable homes in Cumberland."

He said that Home Group was a recognised provider of affordable homes which he claimed would be of a good "quality and affordability".

Councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) asked what guarantee there was that the properties would be affordable?

Mr Daniel said: "It's going to be all affordable housing apart from the five self-build properties. The application is for affordable housing so that's a guarantee."

Councillor Bob Kelly (Millom, Labour) said those opposed to the development had raised a lot of important objections but most had been covered by conditions attached to planning approval.

Councillor Christopher Southward (Denton Holme, Labour) moved that they follow the officer's recommendation and vote in favour of approval. He added: "I am very impressed with the way they put forward their case."

Councillor John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative) said: “I think this application will lend itself to Brampton."

Members unanimously in favour of approving of the planning application.

It was recommended that it is approved with a number of conditions as well as a legal agreement to secure:

  • the provision of five self-build dwellings and the remainder of the dwellings as affordable;
  • a financial contribution of £30,000 towards the improvement of the Dandy Line;
  • a financial contribution of £65,925 (£42,400 for provision and £23,525 for maintenance) towards the upgrading and maintenance of children's play space within Brampton;
  • a financial contribution for the upgrade and maintenance of off-site sports pitches;
  • a financial contribution of £6,500 for a traffic regulation order for a speed limit order, its publication and implementation including all ancillary works;
  • a financial contribution of £6,600 for the monitoring of the travel plan;
  • the maintenance (including the long-term management) of the open space within the site by the developer;
  • the provision and maintenance of a satisfactorily nutrient neutral development to mitigate the impact of phosphates pollution from this development on the River Eden special area of conservation.