A DEVELOPER has received approval to modify an agreement in relation to 31 homes being built in Stainton, near Penrith. 

Atkinson Homes has been given the green light from Westmorland and Furness Council's planning committee to amend a Section 106 agreement (October 22). 

Section 106 agreements are legally binding contracts between local authorities and developers, attached to a planning permission.

They are often used to secure affordable housing or financial contributions towards infrastructure.

The application for land to the rear of Staynegarth was first approved back in 2017. 

The alterations include dispersing eight affordable homes throughout the site, rather than grouping them together as originally planned. 

Read more: Plans for six homes in Carlisle's Denton Holme area

The current modification also allows up to 75 per cent of market housing units to be occupied prior to the completion of affordable housing units, a change from the previous cap of 50 per cent.

Additionally, the amendment updates the plot numbers designated for affordable housing and permits a change to include both 'reduced cost housing at an affordable price' and 'housing for rent at an affordable rent'.

The original application put forward reads: "The residential development will have a mix of dwelling types to ensure it meets the needs of the local population.

"The need for affordable properties in Stainton and surrounding parishes has been established and 8 No. affordable dwellings are incorporated in the development.

"The mix will ensure a sustainable community can develop and ensure that the local population has access to well-designed affordable housing," it reads.