Detailed proposals for the latest stage of a controversial housing scheme will go before planners today, January 22.

Story Homes' detailed plans for phase two of its Strawberry Grange estate in Cockermouth are set to be considered by Allerdale council's development panel.

The company received outline planning permission for the proposed 224 houses at the same time as it was given detailed consent for the 96 homes under construction in phase one of the development, off Strawberry How.

It is now calling on the council to agree the detailed design of the homes so it can go ahead with building work.

More than 200 objections have been submitted in response to the plans.

Concerns include pressure on roads and services, loss of green spaces, impact on wildlife and increased flood risk.

A petition calling for the development to be halted has been signed by 573 people.

Julie Robinson, who set up the petition, said at the time: "I'm especially concerned over the impacts on Tom Rudd Beck: changes of flow from surface and drainage run off, disturbance and loss of the natural environment bordering the beck and what appears to be the lack of protection so far for the beck’s key animal species - the local otters and herons."

Story Homes said new surface water drainage would be installed as part of the development, including a pond which, along with the provision of bat and bird boxes, would provide ecological benefits. Two protected trees on the site are also set to be retained, the firm said.

Toddler play equipment is set to be provided.

Once phase one of the estate is complete, a new bus service is set to be introduced which the developer says will encourage new residents to reduce their use of private vehicles.

Residents will also be encouraged to use more sustainable forms of transport such as bicycles and public transport, a spokesman said.

A permissive route through the site is set to be provided during construction so people can continue to access the open countryside beyond its eastern boundary.

Once building work has been completed, there will be a marked pedestrian route through the development to direct people to the countryside.

Story Homes has planned 100 affordable one, two and three-bedroom flats, bungalows and houses. Seventy five of those will be for rent through a housing association, with the rest for discounted sale.

Strawberry Grange was named Best Residential Development in Cumbria at the 2017 UK Property Awards.

Among those already living at Strawberry Grange is Catherine Oliver, who moved in with his family just over 18 months ago.

She said :"We have fantastic neighbours and all the residents we have met on phase one have been very friendly. All in all the development has a lovely community feel.”

Story Homes said the second phase of the development would support the employment of around 690 people and provide about seven roles for apprentices, graduates or trainees, worked out using the Home Builders' Federation calculator.

David Hayward, development planner at Story Homes, said: “Our phase two submission for 224 homes at Strawberry Grange phase two follows two years of planning with design input from local people and statutory stakeholders.

"We are committed to providing quality affordable housing within our scheme and in accordance with local plan policies. Our new development shall make an important contribution to the district’s housing supply, including the provision of 100 affordable homes available to rent or buy.

"We believe that our proposals for the homes at Strawberry Grange phase two will bring numerous benefits to the local community and will provide people in Cockermouth the opportunity to take their first steps on the property ladder. We look forward to hearing the views of Allerdale development panel.”

The plans will be discussed at a meeting set to take place at Allerdale House in Workington at 1pm.

Councillors will make a site visit ahead of the meeting.

Planning officers have recommended that the council's head of place development be given delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions, after measures have been secured to retain the landscaping belt on and next to the eastern boundary.