INITIAL plans for new homes in a south Cumbrian village have been given the thumbs up.

Westmorland and Furness Council has granted a planning in principle application from Kenneth Smith to build up to six new homes on land off Flookburgh Road in Allithwaite.

Planning documents say the site represents a ‘suitable infill opportunity’ as it is close to a number of shops and transport links.

The planning statement says: “The site is considered to represent a suitable location for new housing as it is located within the local service centre of Allithwaite.

“The proposed development will also contribute to both the local and national policy objective of significantly boosting the supply of homes.”

According to planning documents the permission in principle (PIP) consent route is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development.

This route separates the consideration of matters of principle for proposed development from the technical detail of the development, the planning statement adds.

However, the plans have received two objections from local residents who raise road safety concerns in regard to the proposed development.

One states: “The local road network consists of narrow country lanes, the additional vehicular movements and parking during construction periods has the potential to result in unreasonable dangers to residents.

“The road adjacent to the planned development is used by a variety of vehicles including lorries, buses, delivery vans, agricultural vehicles, vehicles towing caravans or trailers, camper vans, domestic cars, motorcycles and cycles.

“There is no pedestrian footpath on either side of the road, which already gives some local residents walking children to school or exercising dogs some difficulty.”

In response to the plans the local highways team stated the proposal does raise ‘highways and parking issues’ but adds these will be dealt with at the technical details consent stage of the application.

Another adds: “I am also concerned that to build six properties in such a tight location would be overpowering and damage the rural feel of the village of Allithwaite. There are already significant builds taking place on the outskirts of the village which I feel already provide for housing needs, with more suitable infrastructure and access.”

This application was approved on November 20.