Development refused over red squirrel concerns

A council planning committee has refused to grant planning permission for a housing development over concerns for red squirrels.

Cumberland Council considered the proposed plan on land at the former Cumbria Fire and Rescue Headquarters on Station Road in Workington on Wednesday.

The plans had been recommended for approval by officers, but when it was put to a vote the majority of members were against the development over the lack of information on the impact it would have on red squirrels.

It is more than three years since the application was first submitted by business Bill Dobie and the application received 319 objections.

The plans were originally approved in September 2023, but the following March the council requested an ecological assessment be produced as the one submitted with the application was out of date.

In February this year it was resolved the council would request an independent red squirrel survey which has now been received.

Planning officer Kerry McCartney told members it did indicate squirrel activity on the site but she said woodland corridors would be maintained to allow for squirrel movement in the upper canopy of the trees.

She said it was recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

But one objector said there was a statutory duty to protect the squirrels, adding: "There is a risk of not fulfilling your legal duty," according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Another objector said 60 trees would go at the site and gaps would be created in the canopy.

The applicant's agent said the woodland would be maintained and managed, as it was currently unmanaged and in decline.

Council members were told by the council's ecologist there would be a "lag phase" between felling trees and the new trees and the development would not "compensate adequately" during this.

Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Dobson said he was not satisfied with the risk of destroying the habitat.

He moved to reject the application and he was seconded by Labour's Andrew Semple.

Red squirrels are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the removal of breeding dreys - squirrel nests - is a criminal offence.

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