Red squirrel fears prompt new backlash over homes

Plans for new homes have received a fresh wave of objections amid fears over their potential impact on red squirrels.

Businessman Bill Dobie wants to build six houses and a block of 10 flats at the site of the former fire station in Cockermouth, Cumbria, which involves chopping down dozens of trees.

Cumberland Council voted to delay its decision in March until it could carry out its own report into the presence of the animals, after councillors raised concerns over previous reports by the applicant.

Mr Dobie said new surveys carried out on his behalf in the summer confirmed his ecologist's previous conclusion there were no red squirrels nesting, nor breeding, at the site. Residents and the town council have refuted the findings.

Cumberland Council's own report is yet to be published.

The application seeks to fell more than 50 trees to make way for the development at the site, known as The Sidings.

Cockermouth Town Council said it had "serious concerns" about the plans and it claimed the applicant's report was flawed.

It said: "There is significant evidence, including photographs and videos, documenting the presence of red squirrels in the area."

Red squirrels are an endangered species and any development that would damage their nests would be unlawful.

It added the site was "an important natural green corridor for this vulnerable species" and the report failed to "adequately address the potential impacts of the development".

Mr Dobie said the new ecology report he commissioned had the input of "several independent ecologists".

He added: "Nobody is suggesting that red squirrels do not play in the area and use [the site] as a route to other areas they habitat.

"Equally, there is no evidence of nests or breeding in the area."

Labour-led Cumberland Council said Mr Dobie was "entitled to submit information" and the council was "required" to consult on it.

It reiterated officers would be "scoping an independent ecological assessment".

Dozens of residents also objected to the application and raised concerns about the applicant's new ecological report.

The development had initially been given the go-ahead by planners in 2023, but permission was halted when it emerged an ecology report, submitted as part of the application, was five years out of date.

When the plans returned before the council in March, councillors said there was a "lack" of confidence in the developer and voted for the deferral.

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