Approval for 160-home development on edge of Kendal sought

Outline permission is being sought for the development which, it is expected, would feature a mixture of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, primarily of two storeys.

Public figures have emphasised the need for the development to bring affordable homes into the area in the wake of the plans being publicised.

Applicant Alan Bell, working with planning consultant Steven Abbott Associates, anticipates the site on land to the east of Hayclose Road, by Oxenholme station, featuring around 160 properties. 

They would be built on grassland currently used for agricultural purposes and a third, more tightly mown field used as Kendal driving range.

A design-and-access statement submitted as part of the application says affordable housing provision would 'be discussed with South Lakeland District Council both during the determination period for this application and at any future reserved matters stage'.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said he would welcome any move to bring more affordable housing into the area.

He stressed that South Lakeland 'desperately' needed such housing 'so that young people can continue to work here and bring up a family'.

"With the rising cost of living and energy crisis, it's so important that housing becomes more affordable for local people here in Kendal and across the South Lakes too," he said.

The design-and-access statement describes the site of the proposed development as a 'sustainable location'.

LOCATION: The proposed site is by Oxenholme station. Picture: South Lakeland District Council planning portal

"Several key facilities across south Kendal, including Oxenholme Lake District rail station, the nearby Asda store, Kendal Leisure Centre, Westmorland General Hospital, Murley Moss Business Village, Heron Hill and other primary and secondary schools, are each within walking distance of the proposed development," it says.

"Furthermore, within accepted 5km cycle distances, the whole of Kendal as well as several other towns and villages are also accessible."

It is anticipated the site will feature three main rows of development running northwards.

The design-and-access statement says that this layout, when viewed against having four rows, would enable the development to look over a 'generous area of open space' and offer a 'far more appropriate and respectful relationship to existing homes off Hayclose Crescent'.

Cllr Helen Ladhams, vice-chairman of planning on Kendal Town Council, expressed reservations about the development.

She said: "We are very keen on keeping Oxenholme and Kendal separate. 

"We'd like to see something, but not as big as that really.

"We don't need more traffic going to Kendal Parks."

Cllr Ladhams was concerned about the capacity for the development to bring about an increase in biodiversity. 

She said she wanted to see a stronger and more specific policy from the Government on biodiversity net-gain.

Like Mr Farron, she addressed the issue of affordable housing.

"A lot of developers don't give the 35 per cent they are supposed to because they are not making any money on it then - but we'd like to see 35 per cent," she said.