A well-used public footpath would have to be diverted - if a major housing scheme is given the go-ahead.

Plans to build 90 homes on land at the top of Harras Road have been lodged with Copeland Council.

Outline plans were first given the go-ahead in 2017 and now an application for full planning permission has been submitted.

Mike Gracey, who lives on Harras Moor, and is opposed to the scheme, is concerned about the impact the works would have on a footpath which runs through the site.

He said the public right-of-way, which runs from Harras Moor to Moresby, had been well-used by walkers during the coronavirus pandemic.

An email shown to the Whitehaven News from a planning officer at Copeland Council, revealed that the applicant would have to apply to divert the footpath, before the works could begin.

The email, which was sent to Mr Gracey, goes on to say: “Should this diversion not be possible, or refused by CCC, the development could not be legally built.”

Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward on Whitehaven Town Council, said: “That would have to go before the county council’s local highways committee. You can’t just close the footpath.

“You can’t put the public at risk. It’s their right of way. It’s not on.

“I walk every day. I think it’s very important for people to be out to get fresh air. It’s a known fact that exercise is good for you.”

A spokesman for Copeland Borough Council said: “Our Planning team is currently working with the applicant’s agent to discuss the route of the public footpath which runs through the proposed development site. The current footpath route will either remain in situ, or be subject to an application for a diversion order. Cumbria County Council, as Highway Authority, is aware of this position and is subject to consultations on the current planning application.”

The latest plans have been submitted by SRE Associates, on behalf of the applicant, Site Evolution Limited.

It is one of three major housing developments planned for the site.

Plans for a major 370-home estate at Harras Moor were rejected by councillors in September 2019, after residents raised concerns over increased traffic flow.

However, the scheme will be put before Copeland Council’s planning panel again at a future date, as members voted against the officers’ recommendation to approve.

John Swift Homes Ltd have also submitted plans to build nine new houses on the land next to Casa Mia at Harras Moor.