A TOTAL of 27 new homes can be built in Burgh by Sands after the plans were approved by councillors this week.

The decision was taken by members of Cumberland Council's planning committee at a meeting at the Civic Centre in Carlisle on Wednesday (May 5).

The plans for land to the west of Aballava Way in the village were submitted by Genesis Homes and the site is next to a previous 24-home development by the developer.

Planning officer Stephen Daniel told members that it was considered that the scale of the design was considered acceptable, it was in keeping with the other development and it included five affordable homes.

It was recommended for approval, subject to conditions, but ward councillor Trevor Allison (Dalston and Burgh, Conservative) said there were concerns from three farmers over surface water and there were already issues with school parking.

He proposed that the developer made a contribution for off-street parking for 20 cars as one of the planning conditions and added: "This is not an objection to the application."

Sam Greig, the applicant's agent, said that the parking issue was not one created by the developer, because the local children would walk to school, and added: "They will not contribute to the problem."

Councillor Tony Markley (Solway Coast, Conservative) said he felt that the previously defined condition of a contribution of £40,000 for off-site improvement could cover the creation of the parking spaces and proposed that it should be specified as such in the conditions.

He was seconded by councillor John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative) and the committee agreed to grant planning permission including the proposed condition.

The full list of conditions originally outlined in the report included:

The provision of five affordable dwellings;

The financial contribution of £40,000 (£30,000 provision and £10,000 maintenance) to support the off-site improvement of open space in Burgh by Sands;

a financial contribution of £90,510 (based on DfE multiplier of £18,1024 per pupil place) towards education provision.

If the legal agreement is not signed authority will be given to Jane Meek, the council's assistant director of thriving place and investment, to issue refusal of the application.

In a statement from Genesis Homes the development at Edward’s View in Burgh by Sands, which is located close to Hadrian’s Wall, will begin later this year.

The new development, which will comprise a mix of two-to-five-bedroom houses and bungalows, and John Blue, the developer's sales and land director, said: “There is a wonderful community in the beautiful village of Burgh by Sands, and Genesis Homes is delighted to be able to provide support in addition to creating new housing, which is in high demand locally.

“Supporting local communities is something the company is extremely passionate about, and we are pleased to be able to provide assistance to education and recreation to improve village life for local residents.

“Edward’s View is an exciting development for Genesis Homes and we’re pleased to be able to create high specification new homes which will enhance a village which is steeped in history due to its close proximity to Hadrian’s Wall.”

He added: “Our adjoining development The Orchards was a big hit with local residents and we are confident Edward’s View will be as equally popular. We look forward to starting work in the coming months and creating homes where local families will grow and thrive.”

According to the statement the new development has been named Edward’s View in tribute to King Edward I who died in the village in 1307 – a prominent statue immortalising his link to the Burgh by Sands is located within the village.