COUNCILLORS are recommended to approve plans to build nearly 200 homes in Penrith after a decision was previously deferred in March.

Members of the strategic planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council are recommended to approve plans from Story Homes to build 194 homes on land between Inglewood Road and Centurion Rise when they meet today (Wednesday May 15.)

The decision was previously deferred by councillors to allow more time for discussions with the developer regarding the provision of more affordable housing, the introduction of bollards and the preparation of land for a future community facility.

According to a report prepared for the committee, the applicants have added five more affordable homes to the plans, taking the total number to 29, which represents 15 per cent of the proposed development.

In the report prepared for the committee, it states the increased provision is ‘welcome’ whilst it does not meet the target of 30 per cent provision of affordable housing, an additional contribution would put the viability of the scheme ‘at risk’.

The affordable homes will consist of nine rented affordable homes of which four will be bungalows, as well as 20 discounted properties.

The applicant has also identified opportunities for the provision of community facilities at Penrith Golf Club, which is near the site, the report says.

Chairman of Penrith Golf Club Les Balmer said in response to the plans: “Penrith Golf Club sees itself as an existing provider of local facilities and we wish to cement our role as an integral part of the local community by not only providing people with the opportunity to participate in sport, but to also support the community by providing clubhouse facilities that can be used for activities not directly related to the sport of golf.”

Local resident Michael Buczynskyj previously said a link road between the existing Centurion Drive development and the proposed housing scheme would have an ‘adverse’ impact on safety and create ‘a rat run’.

Mr Buczynskyj called on the council to introduce measures to prevent the link road being used by general traffic.

However, a report prepared for this meeting says: “The delivery of bollards would, in the view of the highways officer, have a detrimental impact on the operation of the site and necessitate a fundamental redesign of the layout.”

In response to the new plans Councillor Patricia Bell (Penrith North, Lib Dems) stated: “I believe this proposal represents a well-balanced, and necessary sustainable development, allowing Penrith to meet housing need, and support the ambition of Westmorland and Furness Council to both grow the local economy and support employment on strategic employment sites. The construction phase of this scheme will support 600 jobs.

“This development will provide a range of housing types including those which will be accessible and include an increased number of much needed affordable housing for the community.

“It is welcome that Story Homes have revisited their original proposals and maximised the number of affordable units within the scheme’s financial viability.”

Previously members of the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition in Westmorland and Lonsdale protested against a lack of affordable housing in the proposals.

In the planning committee meeting in March, Martin Powell-Davies said on behalf of the coalition: “Are councillors who might be thinking of voting for this recommendation today prepared to go out into their communities and justify their decision.

“Because your communities know there is a housing crisis across Westmorland and beyond.”

Councillor Frank Cassidy (Walney Island, Labour) previously said young people had told him it would take them ‘a couple of lifetimes’ to pay off mortgages such is the cost of housing and Councillor Bill McKewan (Ormsgill and Parkside, Labour) added developers ‘have got to think of people starting on the ladder’.

Senior Land and planning manager for Story Homes Adam McNally previously said: “I can understand members’ concerns, but we will try and get the balance right and maximise that affordable housing offer.

“There is nothing left on viability that we can offer, it’s a common problem given that building costs have risen significantly and all the other contributions that are required.”

A report prepared for the meeting states that independent surveyors Walton Goodland had reviewed the financial data submitted by the applicant regarding the financial viability of the number of affordable homes and they concluded the provision of 12 per cent is a ‘robust’ offer.

Mr McNally also told the committee sustainable development is at the ‘forefront of our minds’ and said there would be a ‘significant’ number of trees planted as well as 196 swift boxes incorporated into the development.

He added the development would be a £50 million investment and support 600 jobs in the area.

The site is 9.3 hectares in size and planning documents propose two access points, one from the south through the existing Centurion Drive development off Salkeld Road and the other directly onto Inglewood Road.

According to planning documents the developers will be required to contribute £883,944 for secondary school places at nearby Ullswater Community College as the school is ‘already oversubscribed’ and cannot ‘readily accommodate’ more pupils.

Members of the strategic planning committee are recommended to approve the application when they meet on May 15 at the County Hall in Kendal.