A DEVELOPMENT panel for Allerdale Borough Council have approved plans for the construction of 40 new houses in Abbeytown.

Gleeson Homes proposed the erection of up to 40 dwellings and associated infrastructure in a plot of land adjacent to the Wheatsheaf on the village’s Abbey Road.

The housing company believe that the additional houses to be provided by the proposal would increase access to affordable housing in the Borough and ensures a deliverable supply of housing land that meets the needs of the community and local economy, as well as the Council Plan in terms of strengthening the economy and supporting the development of new homes where they are needed.

The development is for 39 two storey dwellings comprising of eight four-bedroom, 25 three-bedroom and six two-bedroom houses. Four affordable low-cost dwellings are also proposed. The housing mix is considered to be acceptable.

It is also believed that the highway arrangements are acceptable. It was proposed that suitable visibility splays can be provided to allow for a safe vehicular access. Gleeson also state that parking standards will also be met.

A suitable Ecological Appraisal has been provided for the proposal along with soft landscaping plans.

The proposal will retain boundary hedging and trees. Additional tree planting is proposed throughout the scheme and infill hedgerow is proposed to the outer boundaries, which will be secured by condition.

Access to the site is from the B5307 (Abbey Road) which runs through the heart of the village and connects to Silloth in the west and Wigton in the east. The nearest train station is Wigton train station. The nearest bus stop is close to the site providing direct connections to Silloth, Wigton and Carlisle.

The parish council did feel that the installation of a proposed play space in the area will most definitely give rise to an increase in the anti-social behaviour, late night noise disturbance and criminal damage that the village already suffers relating to the Wheatsheaf, located right next to the plot.

At a recent Development Panel meeting, Allerdale Borough Council approved the recommendations for the housing development, allowing Gleesons to move forward with their plans.