TODAY is a critical day for multiple housing developments in north Cumbria, as they await approval or rejection by planners. 

Cumberland Council’s planning committee will be deliberating the fate of three housing developments at a meeting held at the Civic Centre at 10.30am (June 5). 

On the agenda is the controversial proposal to construct 101 homes in Stanwix.

Plans for Castles and Coasts to build the new, largely 'affordable', homes on land to the east of Lansdowne Close, Carlisle, have been under consideration since it was first put forward to the former council two years ago - with amendments being made to the original application along the way. 

Out of the 101 units, 86 have been designated as affordable housing.

Despite its potential to address Carlisle's affordable housing shortage, the planning officers have recommended it be rejected on environmental grounds, highlighting concerns surrounding the potential harm to protected trees and the River Eden Special Area of Conservation.

As it stands, the number of objections logged on Cumberland Council's planning portal has surpassed the 1,000 mark.

Meanwhile, last month’s approval for a 180-home estate at Yearl Rise Seaton, despite concerns over increased traffic, school capacity and potential overdevelopment in the village, is facing further scrutiny.

Former Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has requested the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to reexamine the project due to various "planning contraventions". 

Mr Jenkinson said 'the lack of s106 contribution to schools, roads and affordable housing' is particularly worrying'.

In a letter sent on Tuesday, April 30 and seen by the News & Star, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities directed the council not to grant planning permission for the application.

On the other hand, an application for 27 new homes in Burgh-by-Sands, just outside of Carlisle, comes recommended for approval.

The application, submitted by Penrith-based Genesis Homes last year, is contingent on meeting certain conditions.

These include securing five affordable dwellings and contributing financially towards improving open space in Burgh-by-Sands and supporting education provision.