PLANS to build four homes in Burgh by Sands have been recommended for refusal.

The application for the three-bed homes on the grounds of Marsh House, off Station Road, was first put forward to Cumberland Council on February 22, 2024.

The plans also included the renovation of Marsh House itself, described as ‘dilapidated and uninhabitable due to roof leaks’ in the original design and access statement.

On the online planning portal, six public objections have been received regarding the project citing the ‘cohesive character of the neighbourhood’, ‘protected trees’ and the impact on the village’s sewage and drainage systems.

Four comments come in support of the project, with one stating: “The houses that are proposed look fantastic and the appearance will suit the street.

“With building these houses, the huge jungle like garden will be cleared - again, drastically improving the street scene. Marsh House itself is a stunning building and to see this renovated and restored will be great,” it reads.

Burgh-by-Sands Parish Council has also voiced concerns, highlighting that there is not a ‘surveyor’s report on the existing structure and the feasibility of reinstating this house into a habitable property’.

The Parish Council is concerned that during the development, the developer may deem that it is not cost-effective to reinstate this building and may apply for retrospective planning permission to demolish the building.

Historic England's North West Office has also responded stating that the development site sits on an area of high archaeological sensitivity due to its location on the course of the “vallum Hadrian's Wall Roman frontier system”.

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“The section of the vallum within the application site is not designated as a scheduled monument. However, this does not preclude the presence of nationally significant archaeological remains,” it reads.

Despite proposed benefits to the historical house itself, as well as management of existing trees and shrubs on the site, planners have highlighted the potential harm caused to the area ahead of the upcoming decision.  

"The proposed redevelopment, by virtue of the number and siting of the dwellings and the removal of trees, would be detrimental to the character of the area," the planning report reads.

The decision will be heard at the upcoming Cumberland Council planning committee meeting on September 4.