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Search the Public Notice PortalA traditional farmhouse and agricultural buildings in a Cumbrian village could be demolished to make way for 13 new homes under plans submitted to Cumberland Council.
John Swift Homes Ltd is seeking permission to redevelop Well Head Farm, on Shawbank Brow in Dean, near Workington, following the approval of plans to relocate the existing farming operation.
The proposed development would comprise six detached three-bedroom bungalows, five detached four-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom semi-detached properties.
However, none of the homes would be designated as affordable housing, despite local planning policy normally requiring a 20 per cent contribution from developments of more than 10 properties in the area.
A planning statement prepared by Emery Planning says a financial viability assessment by Sanderson Weatherall has concluded that the development cannot support affordable housing.
The three-bedroom properties would measure approximately 1,300 to 1,600 sq ft and the four-bedroom detached houses exceeding 2,200 sq ft.
Designs include open-plan kitchens and family areas, en-suite bedrooms and, in most properties, dressing rooms.
The 1.1-hectare site currently contains a farmhouse, traditional stone barns and modern agricultural buildings.
A photographic survey submitted with the application documents the buildings earmarked for demolition, while identifying one traditional barn that would be retained.
The development would incorporate a publicly accessible village green, with an ancient sycamore tree preserved within the landscaped setting.
A water feature inspired by a traditional millstone is also proposed at the entrance, incorporating reclaimed stone from the existing farm buildings.
The plans include 40 parking spaces, while proposed landscaping and habitat improvements are expected to deliver a biodiversity net gain.
The existing farm remains operational but is expected to be vacated in spring 2027.
Planning permission was granted in June for its relocation to another site near Dean, with council officers previously recognising the benefits of moving agricultural activities away from the constrained village-centre location.
The planning statement says: "The existing farmyard constraints and close proximity to residential properties meant that there would be betterment as a result of the relocation."
Earlier proposals to redevelop the farmstead with seven homes were withdrawn.
The applicant argues the latest scheme would provide new housing, improve the appearance of the former farmyard and support local services.
Twelve of the proposed homes would be within Dean's designated settlement boundary, with one extending beyond it.
The application is awaiting a decision from Cumberland Council, with public consultation running until December 4.
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