Plans for St Bees to be discussed by Councillors next week

Plans to change the use of land in St Bees so that five holiday pods can be placed there could be approved next week by councillors.

Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee are due to consider the planning application at the Civic Centre in Carlisle on Wednesday (January 8).

The application also requests permission for an access road, drainage, landscaping, solar panels, a parking area, and a proposed area of paving and decking at the site in Nethertown Road.

It is being placed before the committee following a written representation from the local ward councillor because it raised significant material issues.

According to the report the issues relate to highways/traffic, access, noise, environmental/ecological concerns and drainage.

The report states: “The application site comprises an area of agricultural land, located to the south of St Bees.

“The site is primarily in agricultural use apart from the access and part of the access road which is already in place for residential use.

“The site covers an area of 0.62 hectares and adjoins an approved residential development site for five detached dwellings to the north.”

According to the report the site is sloping in nature, and while it is generally flatter near the road frontage, it rises significantly towards the east of the site.

It adds: “The site is enclosed by existing stone walls to the east and west, and post and wire fencing to the south.

“There are no conservation areas or listed buildings on or directly adjacent to the application site.

“The nearest listed building is located approximately 0.4km to the north of the application site. The application site is located within Flood Zone 1, and as such has a low probability of flooding.”

Sunshine Properties West Coast originally submitted the application for full planning permission to the council in December 2023 and it is recommended that it is granted subject to planning conditions.