Proposals for a 40-home development in Whitehaven have been lodged.

Copeland Council has received plans, validated November 9, for 3.4 acres of land south of Waters Edge Close, Kells, by South Yorkshire housebuilder Gleeson Homes.

The site is listed as the former “office block for a sulphuric acid plant.”

According to the planning statement: “The application related to an area of vacant land extending to 1.37 hectares which lies to the west of the Whitehaven settlement, adjoined by established residential developments in the area.

“To the north it adjoins the Story Homes Waters Edge development, to the east it adjoins High Road with dwellings set along the east side of the road, to the south it adjoins the vacant former Marchon/Rhodia sulphuric acid chemical plant and to the west it adjoins grassed agricultural land that runs to the coast edge further to the west.

“The site is currently vacant while still in the current ownership.

“The topography of the land is generally flat and open, with some hard-surfaced area still visible from the previous use, but no other significant features.”

The design and access statement for the application said: “The proposed development provides 40 new homes in accordance with the requirements set out within the Local Plan.

“The homes consist of a varied mix of two to four-bedroom bungalows and dwellings to a variety of high-standard designs to appeal to a wide range of home buyers, offering a development that ultimately responds well to local housing need.

It added: “The final design for the development creates a carefully considered approach to creating an interesting and sensitive layout, responding heavily to the natural surroundings and site itself.

“As you travel through the site you’re greeted by long-range views through landscaped areas and strong visual vistas of the dwellings.

"Consideration for both vehicular and pedestrian users has been taken to give separation between both users from various parts of the site.

“This ensures that the submitted scheme design sensitively responds to the site and surroundings.”

For information about the application go online to the council’s website at: www.copeland.gov.uk/planning

Application number: 4/20/2455/0F1