Revised plans to turn a disused garage in Keswick into five affordable flats are being opposed by local councillors despite them admitting the town needs more low-cost accommodation.
The latest proposal by Penrith-based Atkinson Building Contractors to create local occupancy homes at the former HiQ premises at Acorn Garage, in Helvellyn Street, is being objected to by the town council after it received more than 10 objections from people living nearby.
Councillor Allan Daniels said he was voting against the plan “with extreme regret” as he was a member of Keswick Community Housing Trust, which has provided nearly 40 affordable properties for local people who are being forced out of their home town because of rising property prices fuelled by the demand for second and holiday homes.
He said the charity had received 24 applications for just four houses at its latest development behind Keswick Methodist Church in nearby Southey Street.
“If the developer would come up with a better plan, we would all be happier and would support it,” said Mr Daniels, who stressed the need for more low-cost housing in Keswick.
His view was endorsed by Keswick mayor Paul Titley, who called for a more neighbourly development on the site.
“No-one doubts we need more houses for local occupancy in Keswick,” added Mr Titley.
Adam Paxon said: “The housing that we need is local occupancy — but it needs to be affordable.
“That is what we need to be supporting. I am not sure this is going to be affordable local housing. We have to be very careful.”
A previous plan for the same site by the same applicant had also been opposed by the town council after objections from neighbours, largely about overdevelopment.
