Dozens object to affordable homes plan

Dozens of people have objected to plans for 60 affordable homes to be built on a field used by farm animals.

Castles and Coasts Housing Association wants to develop the land in Brampton, near Carlisle, on a greenfield site to the south of Greenhill.

But 44 objections were received by Cumberland Council from residents with concerns about the loss of a green space, the number of homes planned and the need for them.

Cumberland Council's planners have recommended the project for approval and a decision is due to be made on 16 October.

The plans include 36 two-bed homes, 20 three-bedroom houses and four four-bed units.

The 2.5 hectare site is currently used for grazing and houses a small stable block.

According to the planning report, the project should be approved subject to conditions.

These include a financial contribution of £6,500 from the developer to implement traffic measures and mitigation of pollution caused by building work.

The report said the council received five letters in support of the development and 44 against.

Comments in favour said the affordable homes would allow more young people in the area to get on to the housing ladder and that they would bring growth for local businesses.

Those against questioned the need for such homes in Brampton and the ability of the town's infrastructure to cope.

Documents show one resident said: "All of Brampton's facilities need a major upgrade.

"Getting a doctor's appointment is becoming impossible, parking is a nightmare, and with yet more housing that will only get even worse."

Another wrote: "We are losing green space and wildlife at a terrifyingly high rate and yet rather than renovate city centre properties and create affordable housing, this proposal will destroy yet more green space."

The report shows a survey on housing needs in Brampton had identified a shortfall of up to 23 homes in the town each year due to "low levels of supply of affordable rented options".

The plans would include some open space and one of the properties would be offered on the open market.

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