Last updated at 12:55, Friday, 01 March 2013

Controversial plans for a 50-home estate in Brigham have been approved.

‘TICKS RIGHT BOXES’: Councillor Bill Jefferson

North Homes Limited has been granted outline permission for the former Kirkcross Quarry site off Low Road.

The plans have split opinion in the village, despite a pledge from the firm to pay for road improvements and an upgrade to St Bridget’s Primary School.

The parish council will meet to discuss the issue on March 12.

Twenty-one letters of objection and seven in support of the scheme were sent to Allerdale council.

The borough council’s development panel this week approved the plans but attached 25 conditions.

The panel voted six to two in favour, with five abstentions, provided the developer contributes towards improvements to village roads and upgrades at St Bridget’s School, or transport to alternative schools elsewhere, which would be decided by the county council.

North Homes will shortly submit a full application for the estate, which would include two, three and four-bedroom homes. Work could start later this year.

Mark Walker, director of North Homes, said: “We have noted the concerns raised at the panel meeting. We will make a conscious effort to increase dialogue and address those concerns in our detailed plan.”

Peter Gardner, of Lime Kiln, next to the site, told the panel: “The local infrastructure could not support the proposed development. The bus service is not regular and this development could bring in 50 more vehicles every day.”

In December, the panel unanimously rejected plans by Home Group to build 34 houses near Brigham’s Ellerbeck Brow.

Brian Earley, chairman of Brigham Parish Council, said after Tuesday’s meeting: “I am stunned and find it very difficult to believe they have approved the Kirkcross plans after they refused Ellerbeck Brow.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Home Group appeals against the decision on Ellerbeck Brow following this.”

Some councillors welcomed the scheme.

Panel member Bill Jefferson said: “This proposal would seem to meet the criteria for the five-year housing deficit in Allerdale. It ticks all the right boxes.”

It is not known how much cash the developer will have to pay to upgrade the school or pay for transport to nearby schools or for the roads.

A county council spokesman said any developments would be of great benefit to the local community.

First published at 12:53, Friday, 01 March 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk