A TRAVELLER from Barrow has launched a fresh bid to build his own home to allow his family to settle permanently in the area.

Dad-of-two William Price has submitted a planning application to Barrow Borough Council to build a three-bedroom single-storey house on a piece of land in Flass Lane, close to the Tesco Metro.

In his application, Mr Price refers to previous, failed attempts to gain permission to build a house on the site, which were knocked back by planners amid concerns of flooding, drainage, proximity to the road and its status as a greenfield site.

However, Mr Price's new application, which is under public consultation, goes into detail about subsequent developments in the vicinity, which have been permitted despite their proximity to the main road.

He also refers to changes to flood risk zone criteria and developments which have been allowed to go ahead despite not being on a brownfield site.

In his personal statement, attached to the application, Mr Price describes himself as coming from an "established travelling family".

The statement adds: "Currently they are residing on a rental caravan site in Schneider Road. The current accommodation is a static caravan and touring caravan.

"Having to utilise separate facilities is not ideal for a family with two young children. The family have settled themselves in the town for a number of years and they own an established roofing business.

"They are eager to settle permanently in the town and wish to transfer from a transient lifestyle. The children are now of an age where permanent and continuous education is particularly important.

"By its very nature their current home and address is always likely to be temporary. After a number of years of looking for a permanent base, this site became available for them to design to their requirements offering an independence true to their upbringing.

"Because of their circumstances, seeking an already constructed property would be beyond their means due to their former travelling lifestyle."

The public consultation on Mr Price's planning application is due to end on March 21.