PLANS have been lodged for the next phase of a controversial housing development which developers hope will serve the next generation of nuclear engineers.

Copeland Borough Council has received an application to begin the next phase of development at North Park, Rheda, Frizington.

KCS Agriculture Limited has submitted plans for the second phase of an "aspirational" housing scheme.

Genesis Homes Limited has previously applied for permission to build 55 homes nearby as phase one of the growth at Rheda, concerns were raised by residents at the time about an increase in traffic and the associated safety fears.

20 of the phase one homes have already been built.

In their documents submitted to the council's planning department, KCS, who will handle the second phase said: "It is understood that Cumbria County Council stated in their response to the final Planning Layout drawing that ‘the proposed carriageway dimensions, whilst acceptable, and lack of secondary access for this proposed site will mean that further development would not be supported by the highway authority.’"

Phase two of the development will will comprise 22 "generously sized dwellings" in the woodland setting of North Park.

Plans involve landscaping, including two circular greens as well as a cobbled courtyard.

In their Design and Access Statement, KCS Agriculture said: "Rheda North Park will be an aspirational development built to provide high‐quality living in a tranquil, woodland setting.

"The development will provide housing to meet the needs of a growing and economically thriving workforce who seek a higher quality of home in a location which is convenient for their employment.

"Whilst being only a stone’s throw from the heart of the Centre of Nuclear Excellence, Rheda North Park will provide rural exclusivity in an inspirational setting."

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie said that growth is welcome to keep the borough thriving.

Mr Starkie said: "I'm actively encouraging growth wherever housing sites are deemed appropriate."

Although objections to large developments are common, Mr Starkie said that there is a need in Copeland.

"If you look at the high end housing at Swift Homes, every single one of them were sold off plan."

This means that the homes were purchased before shovels were in the ground.

Mr Starkie said: "There's clearly a demand in Copeland for high-end housing."

"What we need to do is attract people into the borough. For too long people who want to move up the housing ladder have had to leave Copeland.

"As with any new developments it brings jobs, it brings growth, they leave more affordable housing behind."