Plans for four houses in an Eden village have been given the green light, despite concerns being raised that they would look “more at home” in Sweden.
F Scott Builders’ proposal to erect four homes on land between Melrose Cottage and Greta Cottage, Cliburn, was called in for determination by Eden Council’s planning committee by Mike Tonkin (Ind Alliance, Morland) on visual impact grounds and the design of the houses.
Mr Tonkin said what was causing residents the most anxiety was that proposed homes would be “totally out of kilter” with the rest of the street.
“They would look more at home in Scandinavia,” said Mr Tonkin.
He added that the plans actually bore a direct resemblance to his brother’s house in Sweden.
“It’s not fit for Cliburn,” said Mr Tonkin.
The proposed site had been identified by a number of the objectors as being within the oldest part of the village.
It was also pointed out that each of the houses due north and south of the application site were very traditionally-built sandstone properties – Greta Cottage, in particular, showed its longevity with a part-glazed carthorse archway.
Principal planning officer Ian Irwin told councillors that from a planning perspective it was necessary to set aside personal preference.
He said it was the view of officers that the proposed pitched roof design was not so harmful that it would merit refusal.
Ali Ross (Green, Penrith) described it as a “contemporary design” proposal and asked if there was any information available on the sustainability of the buildings which would give them any particular merit in terms of their energy efficiency.
She was told it would meet all the necessary building regulations, but there was nothing in particular being proposed that would set them apart in terms of sustainability.
The committee voted in favour of the plan being approved, following a motion to grant permission having been tabled by Debra Wicks (Con, Greystoke) and seconded by John Lynch (Con, Penrith). Outline permission had already been approved.
