Residents launch petition against Gleeson Homes' Egremont development

Gleeson Homes have submitted an application for 164 houses on land to the south of Daleview Gardens with Cumberland Council.

But residents fear the proposed development would have an impact on local services, the busy road network and existing sewage system.

They have also raised concerns about the loss of agricultural land which they say is used to grow crops and vegetables.

Gleeson Homes say the development would provide ‘much-needed’ new build housing and investment into the area.

Helen Parks, who lives at Uldale View, is part of an action group which has set up a petition to oppose the plans.

She told The Whitehaven News: “The houses are right opposite me. In the whole 25 years I’ve been here, the land has been farmed to grow food. It’s grade four agricultural land – it’s good land.

“Why waste good land that is needed to grow food and crops on, that we are crying out for in this country? There’s alternative land in Egremont. There is brown land on the east of Egremont.

“164 houses is a lot of houses. Roughly only 16 houses will be affordable.

“Most people have two cars these days. You are going to have these vehicles exiting an already busy road which houses a road. That’s going to pose a danger to children.

“We are struggling to get doctor’s appointments now. It’s going to make the situation worse.

“The existing sewage system would need updated. Obviously, there would be a lot of sewerage coming out.”

Chris Wills, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Whitehaven and Workington, has been supporting the group.

Chris Wills, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Whitehaven and Workington, is supporting Egremont residents who are opposed to the plans (Image: Submitted)

He said: “When all the people in Egremont appreciate that none of the proposed houses are social homes that the town desperately needs, there’s going to be a mighty big petition going to Cumberland Council.

“In our threatened world, with food security a major issue, why on earth are we looking to destroy good growing land? We need to make much more effort to find more suitable building land, and, when we do, prioritise genuinely affordable houses being built as the majority on proposed developments.

“Years of growing potatoes, barley, and other really needed crops will disappear, and an ‘executive’ housing estate appear in their place.”

A Gleeson Homes spokesperson said: “We are proud to provide high-quality affordable housing across the North and Midlands of England, and pride ourselves on ensuring that all our sites contain homes that a couple on the National Living Wage can afford to buy.

“We are committed to providing a lasting positive impact in the areas where we operate, an example of this being significant investment to local schools and other amenities in Egremont.

“We continue to work closely with the local authorities on this development, which will provide much-needed new build housing and investment into the area.”

* Other candidates standing for election in the Whitehaven and Workington constituency are: 

• Josh MacAlister ( Labour)
• Andrew Johnson (Conservative)
• Jill Perry (Green Party)
• David Surtees (Reform UK)