Homes plan approved despite 'affordable' concerns

The plans are for 180 homes off Main Road in Seaton

Plans for 180 homes to be built in a village have been given the go-ahead despite concerns about the number of affordable units.

Cumberland Council has given permission to Story Homes for the development in Seaton, near Workington.

As a condition, 18 of the homes would have to be affordable, which amounts to half the 20% expected under existing planning policy.

Despite councillors expressing concerns about the reduction, the application was voted through unanimously at a meeting on Wednesday.

The plans are for nine bungalows, nine terraces, 66 semi-detached, and 96 detached houses on land off Main Road.

'Disappointing' reduction

Labour Councillor Andrew Semple said he did not understand why the number of affordable homes had been reduced, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Jane Meek, the council’s assistant director of thriving place and investment, said factors such as the developer’s profit were considered.

She added a viability assessment produced by the applicant was scrutinised by the council and there was an option to go back and ask for more affordable homes.

Lid Dem councillor Roger Dobson told the meeting he was concerned at the low number of affordable homes, while Labour's Bob Kelly said: "There is a need for housing. I think it’s disappointing that the affordable houses have been reduced.”

Other issues raised by residents included traffic and drainage, while n300 letters of objection were received, including from Seaton Parish Council.

An agent for Story Homes said the size of the development fitted with planning policy.