COUNCILLORS heard an update on plans to build 370 dwellings in Whitehaven last week with a date set to decide on the housing development.

Copeland Borough Council’s planning panel held its latest meeting on Wednesday August 3.

And although there was no decision to be made on the application, councillors received an update on the proposal to build 370 homes at Harras Moor, Whitehaven.

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The panel previously decided on September 18 2021 to go against the recommendation of officers and refuse the application but the applicant has recently resubmitted the proposal seeking to allay councillors’ concerns with additional information.

The committee heard that the major housing development will soon receive a decision.

Chairwoman of the planning panel Joan Hully has agreed to hold an additional meeting on Tuesday August 16 so that the plans can be reconsidered.

Councillors will be given a site visit that morning, before giving a verdict on the proposal.

Concerns when the proposal was originally refused were around highway safety and whether the area’s roads can accommodate the increase in traffic.

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But due to the delays in bringing the application back to planning, proposals have been “refreshed” to reflect the current situation.

An agreement on off-site highways works will be made with the local highways authority and Highways England.

Changes have also been made to mitigate the impact on ecology and biodiversity.

The report laid before councillors last week added that another change to the proposal since its last iteration is: “A review and assessment of the masterplan layout to ensure that biodiversity net gain is maximised on the site.”

An assessment on the need for sports provision will also be carried out following an objection from Sport England on the loss of a former sports pitch at the site.

The public can view and comment on all applications submitted to Copeland Borough Council for approval.

To view applications submitted for your area, visit: https://www.copeland.gov.uk/planning

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