Carleton village on the outskirts of Penrith will see an influx of new homes as a further 82-house development has been approved.
Genesis Homes previously gained outline planning permission for up to 96 new houses on a parcel of land off the A686 Carleton Avenue, opposite Frame, Swift and Partners Veterinary Centre and the recently built Manor Park development.
The company returned before Eden Council’s planning committee last week where they gained approval for reserved matters for the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the new housing estate, despite an objection from Penrith Town Council.
The site will see a range of two, three, four and five-bedroomed homes developed with a mix of bungalows, semi-detached, detached and town house layouts.
All will have parking for at least two vehicles and a footpath will be linked to existing access into the town.
The town council objected, saying the development did not reflect local distinctiveness with the same style of houses and type of layout being seen in many developments.
It further argued that there was not a suitable mix of houses and bungalows — only four bungalows are listed to be built — and that the Housing Needs Survey for Penrith in 2018 found the largest need was for two to three-bedroomed houses and bungalows for young people, the elderly, single occupants, those who are disabled, and small families.
Town councillors also raised issue over the junction where the site will be accessed, which was described as on the inside of the bend, and suggested a roundabout should be created and the speed limit through Carleton reduced to 30mph.
In total, 16 letters of objection were sent in to the planning authority.
In a report before the committee, Eden planning officers said the application was for the details of the development which had itself already been given the go-ahead and was on land identified for potential development for a much higher number of homes.
The housing mix and number of bungalows was in line with requirements and Eden planners recommended it for approval.
John Blue, land director for Genesis Homes, said the national housing crisis is well-documented and the Penrith-based company is hoping to pave the way with the development of quality properties.
This will add to the company’s developments completed or in the pipeline at Armathwaite, Calthwaite, Hackthorpe and Lazonby.
Mr Blue added it will bring £12 million inward investment to Eden and Genesis will make a £360,000 education contribution to Cumbria County Council.
There will be 24 affordable homes.
Michael Hanley (Lab, Alston Moor) expressed disappointment that only 20 per cent of the houses will have solar panels but this was defended by Ian Irwin, Eden planning officer, who said he had pushed the developers on this point and they had come to an agreement.
Mike Eyles (Lib Dem, Penrith East) asked if capacity had been reached for a new school to be built in Penrith but was told that would be addressed outside the meeting.
Debra Wicks (Con, Greystoke) proposed the application for approval, commenting, “It is nice to see a proposal coming forward with a sustainable element”.
She praised Genesis Homes, saying the district is “lucky to have” the Penrith-based company. Approval was granted unanimously.
