A COUNCILLOR has criticised a proposed housing development after hearing affordable homes would be 'segregated' from the rest of the site if given the go-ahead.

Cllr Bharath Rajan spoke out at a South Lakeland District Council planning meeting, when members met to discuss an application for 18 new homes off Jack Hill at Allithwaite.

"I'm absolutely appalled that this development has the gall to segregate affordable homeowners from people who bought their property," he said.

"I think it sounds like apartheid in South Africa and I certainly will not vote for this development in its present form."

Cllr Janette Jenkinson agreed with her colleague and said: "It's immoral to separate lower cost housing."

"They should be integrated and dotted around that site. They should be made to feel welcome. I thought we were past all this."

The committee later failed to reach a decision over the application, despite almost three hours of discussion and representation from residents and the developer.

Instead, they voted to defer the proposals on the grounds of site layout, pedestrian safety and traffic management.

"I've listened very carefully to the pros and cons and there are one or two things that worry me about this application," Cllr Jenkinson continued.

And Cllr Brian Cooper raised concerns about site design and the use of Jack Hill as a 'rat run', before saying: "I would have been inclined to approve this site if all these things were met."

The proposals are for 18 houses, including six 'affordable', on land between Jack Hill and Holme Lane.

Last week the Gazette reported residents' warnings that 'someone could be killed' if the housing development goes ahead, as they claim narrow Jack Hill is used as a shortcut.

Those who attended the meeting also cited worries about pedestrian safety, sustainability and the risk of flooding at a nearby property.

Some also told the council Allithwaite does not need additional housing.

"The safety of pedestrians, of which there are many on Jack Hill including large numbers of schoolchildren on school outings, should be paramount," said resident, George Imber.

"In a nutshell this development is unsustainable, unwarranted, surplus to requirements and manifestly unsafe."

But David Coates, on behalf of the applicant, said: "Given the amount of public consultation, engagement with the parish council, SLDC and the highway authority the applicant company has met all the aspirations of the various parties as best it can."