Wigton is poised for yet another building boom as developers draw up plans for more than seventy new homes.

Proposals have been tabled for a development that could lead to 77 houses built on the outskirts of the town.

Stoneswood Developments Limited has earmarked land off Syke Road - Fearon’s former market garden site - for the new development.

An outline of this plan was first approved more than five years ago.

One letter has been sent to the Allerdale Council objecting to the proposal with the matter being referred to Wigton town council for further comments.

Steven Coates, a resident in the town strongly objected to the new plan. In a letter to Allerdale planners he said: “The infrastructure of Wigton does not support the current population (infants, junior, secondary schools, dentist, doctors surgery) and three developments are underway, how can you possibly consider another 77 houses?”

During his first town council meeting as a councillor, Michael Armstrong questioned the type of building and the impact it would have on the surrounding businesses.

He said: “This encroaches on the businesses. There are five units, three of which are engineering and they will be affected.”

Mr Armstrong had taken the time to speak to the businesses - who are part of the consultation - to see specifically how they would be affected.

He added: “They raised some concerns. One business needs their lights on all the time and it will over look the houses. Some need to do breakdown work so will be working 24/7 and during the night, posing a noise issue.”

Sandra Hodson, another town councillor also raised some concerns. She noted that Wigton has not had the time to catch up with other developments and that this will bring the town over the recommended capacity guidelines for the town.

Sandra said: “What does this development bring to Wigton? Why are we accepting developers building four and five bedroom houses when it should be bungalows, one and two bed houses as per Allerdale’s own housing survey . Allerdale receives approximately £7,800 for every house built, could Wigton not have something too?”

Councillor David Ferriby remarked in the meeting that a balance of property type was needed - this issue will be put to Allerdale.

Included in the application is the Highways response. The report states: “The proposed internal highway layout is not a design this authority would currently adopt and will require several changes which may affect the siting of the dwellings.”

Also a speed traffic review from Cumbria County Council suggests extending the 30 mph limit nearer the rugby club for another housing development. The consultation period finishes on May 21.