A 160-home housing estate on the southern edge of Kendal has been approved despite strong reservations from councillors, objections from residents and a warning that the scheme could be a “disaster in the making”.
The estate is planned for steep fields bordering Oxenholme, between Hayclose Crescent and the railway line. The land was designated for housing in 2015, while the outline application was submitted in 2022.
The proposal was considered by the strategic planning committee on Thursday September 17. Four members of the public and Kendal Town Council spoke against it during the meeting.
Concerns over roads, water and the landscape
Objectors and councillors raised concerns about the proposed junction onto Oxenholme Road, describing it as potentially dangerous. They also pointed to United Utilities water lines, the loss of biodiversity and the elevated position of the homes, which they said could block light and overlook existing properties.
Other issues included run-off from nearby fields, bin storage and the limited detail contained in the outline application. One objector, Lorissa Robson, said she had seen bats in the field and recorded owls, despite evidence in the planning report saying otherwise.
Harry Tonge, speaking for the developer, said the matters had already been subject to consultation. A council planning officer said the issues raised would be dealt with at a later stage.
Committee approves scheme despite doubts
Members of the committee were largely opposed to the development. However, the council’s legal officer advised that rejecting it would be difficult because the highways and planning departments supported the proposal.
Councillor Graham Simpkins said: “I think we are being asked to approve something which is a disaster in the making.” He highlighted the steep site, the risk of overlooking nearby houses and the proposed access from Oxenholme Road.
Councillor Lorna Baker questioned whether the estate would be financially viable to build. Councillor Carrick, who moved the motion to approve, said she doubted the scheme could be delivered as proposed.
“The difficulty I’m having is I genuinely do not believe that this development as proposed in front of us is likely to be viable. Do I believe that access is going to be successful? No. Do I believe we’re going to get 35 per cent affordable housing? No.”
Councillor Carrick described the proposals as far from ideal and undeliverable, but said she could not conclude that they breached planning policy. Councillor Baker seconded the motion for the same reasons.
The application was approved after the remaining three councillors abstained.
Questions over affordable housing
Committee chair Councillor Dixon said the abstentions showed that members were not in favour of the scheme. He said the development had “little in its favour other than being an allocated site” and that all committee members had questioned whether any affordable homes would be built.
Councillor Dixon also said he believed the project would become high-end housing for high-end buyers and would not meet local housing need. He recalled visiting the site and seeing what he described as exceptional views.
Dr Henry Adams, who objected to the plans, said the councillors had approved the proposal against their better judgement.
The landowner’s next step, according to Mr Tonge, is to speak to developers and arrange the required legal agreements.
