A NEW industrial estate on the western edge of Kendal has been described as a "great opportunity" to address the economic problems of the town.

The boost for Kendal's economy came as councillors gave the go-ahead for three industrial units on a former brickworks site adjacent to Kendal Quarry, off Underbarrow Road.

Applicant George Holmes is hoping to turn the brownfield site into a thriving employment area creating a number of new jobs.

Speaking at South Lakeland District Council's planning committee agent Bob O'Neil said the 35 letters of objection needed to be balanced against the needs of the town: "Here we have the potential for light industrial units that could provide the stimulus for entrepreneurships with small companies such as plumbers establishing a business and employing local people," he said. "The site offers a great opportunity to try and address the economic problems this town has and it's an opportunity we can't afford to miss."

The plan includes three buildings - two for light industry and one warehouse - the largest eight metres in height.

Three residents spoke out at the meeting saying the plans would be overbearing and cause traffic problems along Underbarrow Road, Gillinggate and Greenside with lorries and vans accessing the site.

"The proposed development is to help the owner of the land get a return on his investment - that's fine but it's being done at the expense of the conservation area, a very nice area of Kendal," said Russell White.

Supporting the plan Coun Robin Brown said the site had always been used as commercial premises and had dreadful looking buildings in the past.

The plans were approved subject to a number of conditions with management measures to be put in place giving HGVs access to the by-pass by private road.