A DECISION on a controversial housing plan for the Newbarns area of Barrow is set to be made this month.

If approved, 44 three- and four-bedroom houses will be built on the green fields east of Meadowlands Avenue.

There has, however, been a strong reaction against these plans by residents who live close to the site.

A scarecrow has been erected at the end of the avenue, with the planning notice tied around its neck.

Such strong opposition has been sparked by concerns over the risk to children playing in the street, fears of flooding and worries about increased congestion on an already busy street.

One homeowner who lives in Meadowlands Avenue said: “Meadowlands Avenue cannot cope with any more traffic. Parking is horrendous as it is.”

In the report to Barrow Borough Council planning committee, which will make a decision on the development on June 14, the access to the site was described as “acceptable” but, it is claimed, the development will “increase the pressure on the junction of Meadowlands Avenue”.

This is not the first time that a project based around Meadowlands has been put forward by developers.

Concerns have been raised in the past over developments on the same site in 1989 and 1999.

Reasons given at the time for the rejection were that there was no need to develop on good agricultural land, and that the green space was an important area of open countryside.

The design and access statement submitted by developer Oakmere Homes described the land as “vacant grassland” and that the new estate would “respect the existing settlement”.

However, in an objection a resident on Maylands Grove said: “I moved my family into Maylands Grove in 2003 after falling in love with the views to the rear of our property, and the feeling of space that the estate provides.”

Retaining the rural nature of the site has been addressed by the developer.

They said: “Wherever possible, the layout design will retain the existing trees and hedgerows.

“These trees will provide a natural and distinct, attractive, soft edge to the site.”

In addition to local opposition, Cumbria County Council has also objected to the plans.

They have raised concerns over insufficient primary school places, undiscovered prehistoric and Roman archaeology, and the potential risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

Speaking about flooding, a Sheeplands Grove resident said: “How can you consider building houses on land which floods regularly?

“Bearing in mind floods in recent years, I am surprised house construction there was even considered.”

The meeting is due to start at 2.30pm.