Last updated 19:43, Thursday, 17 April 2008

A COCKERMOUTH councillor was due to urge his colleagues to vote for affordable homes for the town last night.

Alan Smith, who represents All Saints, has long campaigned for more affordable housing in the town.

He is backing a new plan by Impact Housing Association to knock down the old Market Hall depot to make way for eight homes.

Mr Smith said: “I believe that you need some houses for rent. You need them pretty sharpish and this would be an ideal opportunity for the middle of town.

“These are for starter homes and that is what you need to keep the young people in Cockermouth. We have got to keep our own in town.

“I am not just banging the gong for Cockermouth; the outlying places also need affordable homes.”

Councillor Christine Smith was due to second Mr Smith’s movement and a vote would then take place.

But not all colleagues agree with the Labour councillor.

Conservative Eric Nicholson said: “It is a disgraceful idea to build houses on the only piece of ground that’s a civic amenity area. Everybody who I have spoken to is against it.

“It is the wrong place, it is the only last place we can actually make an area of space for amenity. I am really annoyed.”

If plans get the go-ahead, the terraced two-bedroom properties would be offered for rent by the social landlord, which says there is a “clear need for social affordable housing within Cockermouth”.

It says the development would complement the surrounding area – close to the Kirkgate Centre – which largely features flats, including those behind the shops facing on to Market Place.

In its application, Impact says the redundant building – temporarily used as a contractor’s store and previously for storage by the town council – had to be demolished as it is of “substandard” quality, and as such is unsuitable for conversion.

A statement to support the application says that replacement of an existing eyesore would contribute to the regeneration of the Market Place area.

Because the site is within easy walking distance of the town centre and bus services, there are no parking facilities planned within the development. It is suggested that residents could purchase season tickets for nearby council-run car parks.

The terraced homes would be decorated with stone and rendered walls, with second-hand local green slate tiling the roofs.

Impact also intends to plant some small trees behind the Bitter Beck car park and replace a two-storey public toilet block adjoining the site.

Cockermouth Town Council was due to agree its recommendation for the scheme to Allerdale council last night.

Allerdale’s development panel will make the final decision.