PLANS for a major housing development next to the former Marchon site look set to be given the go-ahead.

Gleeson Homes want to build 40 houses on the former Rhodia office site on land at Waters Edge in Kells, Whitehaven.

The scheme has been recommended for approval and will go before Copeland Council's planning panel on Wednesday.

However, concerns have been raised over limited school places and the surrounding infrastructure ahead of a decision being made on the application.

Emma Williamson, who represents Kells and Sandwith on Cumbria County Council, said: "Before any plans should be approved for building more houses in our community I would like to know what investment is planned for our community.

"We don’t have enough school places. Where are all the additional families going to send their children?

"The roads are in a terrible state with constant issues surrounding parking and we have a dilapidated play park that has been the same since I was a child.

"I would like to see a commitment from these developers around investment into our community."

Chris Hayes, mayor of Whitehaven, who represents Kells on Whitehaven Town Council, said: "If they get the infrastructure right, then fine. The schools in Kells are full. As long as they do as they say they will, I have no problem with it."

Whitehaven News:

Members of the planning panel are advised to approve the plans, subject to a Section 106 Agreement, which states there must be: four affordable houses included; maintenance and management of a proposed public open space; improvements to the drainage system serving Waters Edge, and a contribution to education.

A spokesperson for Gleeson Homes said: “At Gleeson Homes we specialise in providing quality affordable homes to first time buyers where they are needed the most.

"On every site we build in Cumbria, a young couple on the National Living Wage can afford to buy a home with Gleeson. Eighty-five percent of our customers are first time buyers, and this development will be very popular with those looking to get on the housing ladder.

"Not only will our homes be more affordable than renting in Whitehaven, but our homes are very energy efficient, which is really important as energy prices continue to rise.

"Under a section 106 legal agreement we will be working with Copeland’s housing team and provide four affordable homes that will be ring-fenced for those in affordable need and looking to get on the housing ladder.

"If granted planning permission, this will be our fifth site in West Cumbria and second in Whitehaven as we continue to invest in West Cumbria.

"This site will see us invest £3.4million into the local economy, create or sustain 42 jobs and get local young people out of their parents’ homes or rented accommodation and onto the housing ladder. We pride ourselves in remediating brownfield land, regenerating local areas and providing homes where they are truly needed for those who need them the most.

"On all our future sites we will continue to work closely with the statutory consultees through the planning application process and we’re proud that there are no objections from any of the statutory consultees including Cumbria Highways and the County Council as the Local Education Authority.

"If members of Copeland Development Panel agree with the planning officer’s recommendation to approve planning permission, then we will be looking to make a start on site this summer.”

Marchon opened in 1943 and manufactured the raw materials for washing powders and toiletries for decades.

It was taken over by Rhodia in the late 1990s, but closed in 2005 and was demolished in 2012.