A Decision over plans to build a new dwelling, install a package treatment unit and landscaping in the Penrith area has been deferred so planners can get more information and councillors can visit the site.
The application for a site at Brackenthwaite, off Salkeld Road, was considered by members of Westmorland & Furness Council’s Eden local area planning committee at Voreda House in Penrith, on Wednesday (June 11).
It was recommended by a council planning officer that planning permission be refused but, in its response, Penrith town council said it supported the application.
The council planning officer told members the site was outside the boundary of a “designated settlement” and it was an isolated dwelling and it was contrary to planning policy.
However the applicant said the proposal was “clearly sustainable” as it incorporated measures such as solar panels and rainwater collection.
She said that they were committed to renewable energy and she felt the assessment of the planning application was “imbalanced”.
Committee vice chairman, councillor Michael Eyles (Penrith South, Lib Dems), said he was “inclined to approve” the application particularly as there was previous planning permission for two holiday lodges at the site and added: “I was impressed by the environmental credentials.”
Councillor Michael Hanley (Alston and Fellside, Labour) said it was a similar situation to a previous application in Greystoke and he was “wary of going along with the planning officer’s recommendation”.
He suggested they should have a site visit and councillor Adrian Waite (Kirkby Stephen and Tebay, Lib Dems) also said he was impressed the applicants’ approach to the environmental issues and agreed they should go on the site visit.
Councillor Colin Atkinson (Hesket and Lazonby, Conservative) wondered if the property would be visible from the road, as it was in a wooded area, but added: “I don’t think we need a site visit.”
Councillor Lorna Baker (Eden and Lyvennet Vale, Lib Dems) said she felt it was not a “full home”, because it did not occupy much space, and added: “It’s more like a holiday home.”
When the matter was put to the vote it was unanimously decided to defer the decision until next month’s meeting so they could attend the site visit and gather more information.
The application is for full planning permission to build a two-bedroom dwelling and the proposed package treatment unit.
The report states: “The site amounts to some 2400 square metres of land adjacent to an existing dwelling and associated with a former quarry area. The application form states this area is a domestic garden.”
According to the report the site has a planning history for the two holiday lodges that has expired and it adds: “Access is shown taken from the existing vehicular access to the existing dwelling with a spur drive to serve the new dwelling formed approximately halfway along the existing driveway.
“Two parking spaces are shown with a turning area to the south-east of the proposed dwelling.”
According to a planning statement the proposed development would create a new dwelling for the existing occupiers of Brackenthwaite who have lived at the property for 12 years and do not require a such a large home and they seek a smaller dwelling in their existing grounds to remain close to family and their community.
The report states: “The land ownership extends to 3.5 hectares which includes gardens and natural regenerated woodland within a disused quarry.
“It is stated that the two holiday lodge scheme approved in 2018 did not progress due to personal and work circumstances.”
by Ian Duncan (Local Democracy Reporting Service)
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