PLANS for 19 new homes in Barrow are set to be turned down by the council as they appear to be based on ‘quantity rather than quality’ according to planning officers.

Members of Barrow in Furness local area planning committee are recommended to refuse plans from Mulberry Homes to build 19 houses on land south of Leece Lane when the committee meets on Tuesday February 13.

A report prepared by planning officers states: “It appears tightly packed and cramped, utilises standard dwelling types, with inadequate dysfunctional parking arrangements, a lack of identifiable public open space, including play space, and it would fail to compliment the adjacent Green Wedge.

“The result is a scheme which appears to be based on quantity rather than quality or good urban design principles, and lacking assimilation into the context of the area.

“In addition, the proposal fails to meet requirements in terms of energy efficiency and designing out crime. The layout, form and scale of buildings is not based on an understanding of the existing situation, including patterns of built form as well as the local vernacular and the development of the south side of Leece Lane and other precedents that contribute to local character.”

A previous application to build 18 homes on the same site was withdrawn in April 2023 and according to the planning statement the applicant has amended the design in response to feedback it received from the council and its consultees.

The proposed development would consist of a range of two-bedroom to five-bedroom properties and two units of affordable housing will also be provided.

A design and access statement submitted by the applicant says: “This site is readily available and deliverable and would sit seamlessly into the surrounding area and would merely become an extension of what is already there whilst providing infill between the existing Kempass Avenue, and Rosewood Grove to the North, whilst later having the benefit of sustainable development.

“Developments such as these will provide much needed growth for the community as well as a district, whilst forming much needed housing for local families.”

The proposed site is located to the east of Roose and would front Leece Lane which has existing residential development on the other side. To the east of the site is an area owned by the applicant called Green Wedge where further planting is proposed and to the south lies open countryside according to the planning statement.

Members of Barrow in Furness local area planning committee will decide whether to approve or reject the proposals on February 13 at Barrow Town Hall.