'Cramped' housing development rejected

Developers accused of creating a housing scheme that prized "quantity over quality" have had their bid to build in Barrow rejected.

Plans to build 19 houses on land south of Leece Lane have been rejected by the Barrow-in-Furness local area planning committee.

Members said Mulberry Homes' plans would have created a "tightly packed and cramped" development.

The developers say their plans would provide "much needed housing for local families".

The proposed site is to the east of Roose and would have fronted Leece Lane, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A previous application to build 18 homes in the same place was withdrawn in April 2023.

The applicant amended the design in response to feedback received from the council and its consultees.

The new plans for the site would have created a development including a range of two- and five-bedroom properties.

But committee members rejected the proposals at a meeting last week.

A decision notice suggested the development would not be in keeping with the surrounding area.

It said parking arrangements were inadequate and "dysfunctional" and that there was a lack of public open space.

The notice added: "The result is a scheme which appears to be based on quantity rather than quality or good urban design principles, and lacking assimilation into the context of the area.

“In addition, the proposal fails to meet requirements in terms of energy efficiency and designing out crime."

A design and access statement submitted by the applicant said the development would "provide much needed growth for the community".

It said the site would fit "seamlessly" into the surrounding area.

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