PROPOSED changes to the layout of a major housing development in Whitehaven have been put forward.   

Plans for a total of 90 houses on land at Harras Dyke Farm at Harras Moor were given outline permission in September 2022.

Now an application to alter the house types, remove the parking courts and change the housing mix has been lodged with Cumberland Council.

Construction company Thomas Armstrong Ltd has purchased the site since outline planning permission was granted.

A design and access statement submitted with a variation of condition application says the proposed changes will facilitate the construction of 90 homes by a local developer ‘with a proven track record for constructing high quality, affordable homes’.

The plans say the previously approved house-types have been substituted for those offered by this developer, who has not been named.

Changes have also been made to some vehicle access roads due to the removal of previously designated parking courts.

The plans say that the decision to remove the parking courts has been led by the developer as it is ‘considered difficult’ to sell properties that ‘do not conform to a traditional layout of front and rear gardens with parking in front of a property’.

Two-bed properties have also been dropped in favour of three-bed semi-detached properties.

The variation of condition application was put before members Whitehaven Town Council meeting for their consideration last week.

Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward, said: “I have submitted an objection. The proposals to change aspects of the layout will cause parking problems leading to an overcrowded development.

“I consider that the application is deeply flawed and should not be granted.”

A consultee response submitted by Whitehaven Town Council following the meeting said the council had objected to the development in the past and continues to express their concerns that it is an ‘overcrowded development’.

The application is one of a number of developments planned for Harras Moor after Homes England won a Government appeal against Copeland Council’s decision to refuse its plans to build 370 houses.

John Swift Homes has also been given planning permission to build 23 houses on land at Harras Road.