71 home Derwent Forest development refused by planning panel

Derwent Forest Development Consortium Limited has said “it is disappointing news” that their plans for a “sustainable” and eco-friendly residential development were rejected by Allerdale Borough Council’s planning panel.

Councillors at the meeting on Tuesday were still not satisfied that a development on the land near Great Broughton would not impact road safety despite changes made to the scheme following its earlier consideration in February.

The Derwent Forest site, a former arms depot, which was lined-up for a 71 home development

The Land at Derwent Forest, Great Broughton is both the site of a former Royal Navy arms depot and a relic of West Cumbria’s mining history.

Presenting the application to councillors at the meeting on Monday, case officer Steve Long said: “The magazine (building) on the site, clearly that will be demolished and there’s a little area of public open space actually being provided on what is the area of a former mine shaft that’s actually been identified on the site, which will be capped and treat as part and parcel of the submission.”

The housebuilder believes that the development would bring a number of benefits with the clean-up of the brownfield site and affordable housing.

But councillors sided with residents who spoke against the plans at the meeting. Members of the community felt the increase in traffic would be too much for roads in Great Broughton, Broughton Moor and Seaton, which are already struggling to cope.

Resident of Stockmoor Hall Stephen Murray said: “This development would directly impact on us and the road system outside, I disagree with the highways approach on this one, I’ve lived there 16 years and I know exactly what traffic goes down that road and it can be like the A66 at some times of day, it’s a rat run we all know that, between all the villages.

“We’ve got to ask ourselves ‘what about all the housing that’s gone on in the last 11 years?’

“When all these developments are finished and all the people that are living in there and all their friends and family and delivery vehicles are going back and forward, these roads are going to be choked.”

Speaking in defence of the application Peter Shannon said: “The applicant has developed a vision to regenerate the site and establish a legacy that demonstrates sustainable living, sustainable working and being.

“The applicant is working to make the site safe and to allow public access for the first time in 80 years.

“The application is one phase of the wider redevelopment of the Derwent Forest site, however this application needs to be considered on its own merits both in terms of impacts and in terms of infrastructure requirements.”

But councillor Nicky Cockburn pointed to policy advising to avoid “a piecemeal approach” to planning.

Despite feeling the pressure on councils to meet housebuilding targets, a motion was table to refuse the application and was passed by 11 votes to one.

Councillor Andy Semple said: “I’d like to propose a motion that we refuse this application because it doesn’t deliver the vision that this site and the area needs and it doesn’t comply with all the vision statements in section S18.”

Councillor Cockburn seconded the motion adding that it does not comply with transport principles.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Paul Scott said: "I'm disappointed this site is being limited by a lack of vision by not improving the infrastructure. If roads were improved it could be a fantastic project that would bring in much needed revenue and visitors to our area.

But he said: "We can't develop the site like a patch work quilt with no infrastructure improvements, we need to think bigger and as a possible bypass of Workington as well as opening up the Derwent Forest site."