FIVE new homes proposed for a paddock at Pennington village were backed by South Lakeland District Council's planning committee.

Applicant Dave Wood already had outline permission to build at Rowe Head hamlet, and councillors heard that he plans to build five two-storey houses there, two of them affordable.

Pennington Parish Council objected, saying the new properties would "increase the hamlet size by 50 per cent and would not be appropriate to the context of the hamlet".

The parish council was also concerned that what it described as "severe access problems particularly at school time" at Pennington C of E School would be exacerbated. "It is widely thought it is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs," stated the council, which also had "grave concerns" about health risks to residents posed by overhead power lines.

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Two neighbours objected and one letter of support was received, saying the new homes would allow parents with children at Pennington School to move within walking distance of school.

Cllr Janette Jenkinson said: "It does round off the hamlet, in my opinion, in quite a sensitive way and gives a feeling of openness." Coun Joss Curwen added: "It will enhance the area tremendously."

Councillors gave delegated authority to director of people and places David Sykes to grant planning permission.