Proposed Residential Development
Land east of Rakesmoor Lane, Barrow-in-Furness
The Proposals
The development proposals include the following key design principles:
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Up to 370 new homes to meet Barrow’s emerging needs, including affordable homes, and a range of types from starter homes to larger family homes.
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An outward facing, landscape-led development that creates a new, distinct and aspirational neighbourhood for Barrow.
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A substantial green infrastructure network for existing and new residents to enjoy, including:
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Retention and enhancement of the existing landscape structure to provide screening and integrate the site with the wider landscape.
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Green corridors throughout the site including new planting, footpaths and sustainable drainage features.
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A large open space to the south east of the site, fronting on to the existing designated greenspace with new children’s play areas and an orchard.
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The realignment and upgrading of Rakesmoor Lane to provide two new vehicular accesses to the site which form a central loop through the site which can be served by buses, with links to potential future development land to the north.
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Existing public rights of way to be retained and enhanced, with new footpaths and active travel routes added, maximising connectivity with the existing community to the south.
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Retention of the existing farm buildings that contribute to local character, and removal of those that don’t.
We intend to submit an outline planning application by May 2026 for up to 370 homes, with details of site access provided, but with all other matters reserved.
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So this outline application will seek to establish the principle, quantum and overall structure of development on the site, with indicative layout and landscape masterplan provided, along with detailed access drawings of the proposed site access from
Rakesmoor Lane (including realignment and two new site accesses).
This would then be followed by a Reserved Matters application (expected during 2027) which would provide further detail on the internal road network, drainage strategy, landscape planting, open spaces and the design, appearance and mix of the proposed homes.
This detailed housing mix, in terms of the types and tenures of market and affordable housing required, will be informed by the Council’s emerging housing market evidence, which is being worked up in dialogue with BAE and other key stakeholders to ensure that jobs growth and wider economic aspirations for Barrow are delivered, and will be completed by the time Reserved Matters submissions are made.
Technical Considerations
Landscape
The landscape and visual assessment work has established key landscape views and receptors on site, and has sought to protect and screen these within the development.
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In landscape terms the proposals respond to the existing green infrastructure on site by retaining existing hedgerows and trees where possible, and creating a large open space to the south east of the site, including play areas and an orchard, supplemented by green corridors, pedestrian routes and other incidental open spaces throughout the site to offer a varied activity network, utilising landform, planting and natural features.
Overall, the green infrastructure proposed on site will create new opportunities for ecological enhancement and connectivity, along with sustainable drainage solutions. The proposed landscaping will ensure that the development is in keeping with the existing landscape character of the area.
Key Benefits
