NEARLY 150 objections have been lodged against the third set of plans for new homes near Natland Mill Beck Lane in Kendal.

Natland-based developers Oakmere Homes Ltd are back before South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee on Monday having been refused permission in October 2017 and June 2016.

The company has proposed 26 new houses in its latest application including nine affordable dwellings.

The site is a “C-shaped” parcel of land bounded by Helme Drive, Helme Chase Gardens and Helme Close, close to the former Lancaster Canal.

A total of 147 objections and representations have been made to SLDC.

Residents have complained that the council has not allocated the site for housing and has alternative sites that could be used.

They have also raised serious concerns about the loss of vital green space, the impact on the historic environment and a number of traffic concerns.

Access would be via narrow Natland Mill Beck Lane from the roundabout on Burton Road opposite Asda.

Among the objections are increased traffic affecting safety at the roundabout and the blind exit at the Helme Lodge junction.

“The lane is heavily used by walkers and cyclists – increased vehicular traffic will adversely affect the safety of these users,” a resident commented.

Kendal Town Council, Natland Parish Council and the Friends of the Lake District have all raised objections.

Pedestrians and cycle traffic from the nearby The Beeches’ development regularly use Natland Mill Beck Lane.

However, council planning officers have recommended that the planning committee approve the development with 22 conditions.

Cumbria County Council, as highways authority, has not objected, neither has the Canal and Rivers Trust, or the Environment Agency.

The applicants have proposed to create three passing places on Natland Mill Beck Lane.

Furthermore, they plan a new section of road around the bend at the western end of the lane with access into the site close to a bridge on the former Lancaster Canal.

An officer’s report said the development would generate 14 trips an hour between 7-10am along Natland Mill Beck Lane, or 42 trips in total.

This would not “alter the character” of the area, according to the report.

“The northern part of the site is located within the allocated development boundary for Kendal but is allocated white land.

“The lack of allocation does not preclude or prevent development but the scheme must be assessed in the context of the presumption in favour of sustainable development,” said the officer’s report.

The application will be heard on Monday, March 4 at a meeting in Kendal.