INITIAL plans to build homes for local people in the Lake District have been given the go ahead.

Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority approved granting outline planning permission to an application from Deborah Lund to build four local occupancy homes on land at Brewers Field in Backbarrow.

Lizzie Spencer, the applicant’s agent, said: “The proposal is in a sustainable location within the rural service centre of Backbarrow. It’s in close proximity to local facilities and the transport network and importantly the proposal will secure the delivery for new houses for local people.”

The proposed houses will also meet an ‘identified local need’ for smaller two-to-three-bedroom homes, Ms Spencer added.

The plans received 10 objections which raised concerns over the loss of green space and said there was a ‘lack of need’ for more housing in Backbarrow.

A report prepared by national park planning officers adds: “The delivery of such housing on this site would contribute to meeting development plan aspirations with regard to housing delivery.

“The question of the size of houses and whether that meets the identified need can be addressed at the reserved matters stage should outline permission be granted.”

The outline application was approved by members of the development control committee on November 6.