RESIDENTS are opposing plans to build 155 new homes on greenfield land and have started a petition calling for the scheme to be rejected. 

Cumbria developer Oakmere Homes has applied for outline planning permission to construct the executive-style family homes on a 12.5 hectare site off Dalton Lane, near to the junction with Abbey Road, in Barrow. 

The applicant says a new roundabout could be built at the brow of the hill on Dalton Lane to provide a safe access point into the development. 

Many Hawcoat residents are objecting to the proposals and have arranged a public meeting, which will be held in Barrow Co-operative Social Club in Dane Avenue at 7.30pm on Thursday. 

They have also set up a petition calling for Barrow Borough Council to refuse permission.

The objectors claim the development would “destroy” the entrance to Barrow from the Mill Brow roundabout along Abbey Road. 

The petition has been set up by Hawcoat residents. They have pointed to the fact the council’s Draft Local Plan has identified the site as a “green wedge” and claim Barrow “would effectively be joined with Dalton” if the proposal goes ahead. 

They have also questioned whether there is a demand for more homes in Barrow, suggested brownfield sites in the council plan should be considered first, and raised concerns over drainage. 

One of their main concerns is over access and the potential impact on the already-busy Dalton Lane, which is a bus route and the main way of accessing Furness General Hospital. 

A statement from the resident group concluded: “We believe that the contents of the planning statement presented to Barrow Borough Council in many cases are flawed and the report is clearly based on biased opinions.”

The developer’s application to the council said a secondary, emergency access road would be built off Breast Mill Beck Lane, which will also serve as a pedestrian route. 

As the application is only at the outline stage, the company says it does not yet include full design details for accessibility. It insists the large development would blend well with the surroundings. 

The statement said: “The housing is intended to sit well back from the main aspects (Dalton Lane and Abbey Road), where the rising site would give buildings prominence.

“A soft, green apron and buffer zone is proposed at this prominent corner, to maintain the green rural aspect, and avoid new housing conflicting with the older historic buildings on the other side of the Abbey Road junction.”

Oakmere Housing’s statement to the council concluded: “The proposed development is fully compliant with the relevant, saved policies of the development plan and national planning policy and guidance, and there is a compelling case for outline planning permission to be granted in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development.”