RESIDENTS have been left ‘devastated’ after a council approved plans for a a 76-home estate.

The development, off Natland Road, Kendal, on almost five hectares of former parkland, was rubberstamped despite objections from 55 local residents, Natland Parish Council, Kendal Town Council and Kendal Civic Society.

“The styles of the houses proposed are more suited to a suburb in Surrey,” neighbour, Philip Livesey, told planners at a meeting last Thursday.

“The scale and design of this proposed development are totally wrong for this sensitive site.”

His wife, Mary Livesey, added: “These houses haven’t been designed for a Kendal landscape – with names like the Greenwich, the Westminster and the Mayfair they have more in common with a Monopoly board.

“If Kendal is to retain any of its unique charm then the design, quality and sensitivity of any new builds should reflect that.”

Dozens of letters submitted to the council questioned whether Kendal had enough employment for its new residents. They also said the new homes would ‘overlook and shadow’ existing properties, while the estate would ‘destroy’ the area’s character.

But planning committee members said they were bound by land allocation plans, which identified Natland Mill Beck as one of 88 sights suitable for development in the area.

“If we were to object to this we would be blown out of the water on appeal,” said Councillor David Williams.

Coun Brian Cooper continued: “I can see the residents objections, but I have to agree with Councillor Williams...we’ve really got to go with this one I’m afraid.”

Councillors voted to approve the plans, with delegated authority, on the condition that 26 of the homes be ‘affordable’.

“I’m just devastated,” said a distraught Mrs Livesey after the meeting. “The last seven months have been hell and I’m just so upset the plans have been approved.”

But Daniel Barton, on behalf of the developer, told councillors: “We want it to be a high quality and sustainable development.”

He said Story Homes would provide new bus stops and improved road crossing, and create cycle links.