Opposition to a controversial Clifton housing development continues despite offers of community investment from the applicants.
On Wednesday, Clifton Community Council met to discuss a proposed housing development by Lowther Estates which would see 49 new build homes to the south of the village, 14 of those affordable.
At the centre of the planning saga is the fact the proposed housing estate is an enabling development.
This means it does not conform to local planning regulations but developers hope it will be treated as an exception in order to fund renovations to the Grade I listed Yanwath Hall, which has fallen into dilapidation and requires a cash injection.
After a robust discussion the council decided to officially object to the planning application on the grounds the development does not conform to the district council’s Eden Local Plan, safety concerns over access of the A6 which currently falls outside the village’s 30mph zone and the lack of clear geographical link between Clifton and Yanwath.
Speaking after the event, chairman Jonathan Davies said: “We took into account the strength of feeling among residents, both for and against, and decided to object.”
Attending the meeting was Lowther Estates’ CEO David Bliss who told the council his intention was to work with the community to create a new village hall with a car park, and footpaths to the school.
The current hall is not usable. The question was asked if this community investment from Lowther was contingent on the planning application being granted.
Mr Bliss replied that it was not.
