KENDAL Town Council has opposed the proposed layout of new homes on the edge of town.

The development, which is the fourth and final phase of housing off Brigsteer Road, proposes 108 houses on a new road across open fields, linking Brigsteer Road to Cedar Grove.

The town council’s planning committee has cited a previously agreed planning document as their principal cause for opposition. The committee has objected to the new Story Homes plan, which they argue fails to acknowledge the original guidance for the site - specifically recommending that no through-road should be allowed.

Vice-chair of the committee Councillor Helen Ladhams said: "The through-road creates a new ‘rat run’ across the quiet residential streets of west Kendal. The developer’s own traffic survey showed that access from Brigsteer Road was only more than sufficient. A ‘rear’ access from Cedar Grove should be maintained for emergency vehicles only."

The town council was also unimpressed by the nature and recreational plans of the new development. It stated that the proposal blocks off a key natural corridor from Collinfield Lane, and suggests that play provision for the estate’s new resident children might be provided off-site, some distance away near Vicarage Drive.

Don't miss more exclusive planning application stories like this. Take advantage of our special offer and subscribe now for £3 for 3 months.

One councillor asked if the developer was willing to help push prams back up the hill from Vicarage Drive. The council has called for any 'biodiversity net gain' to be applied in Kendal itself rather than offset at some distant site from which the town derives 'no benefit.'

A spokesperson for the council said: "The development brief for this site took a lot of negotiating with local residents, councillors and even our local MP. It is very disappointing to see a developer attempt so brazenly to set it aside. The Council’s Planning Committee is determined to ensure development matches the community’s expectations from the brief. Kendal’s residents deserve high standards in design, amenities and natural space."

Kendal Town Council’s planning committee response now goes to Westmorland and Furness Council’s planners for consideration alongside the application.

Developers Story Homes said it did not want to comment.