OUTLINE plans for 29 new homes on fields at Burton-in-Kendal won broad support from South Lakeland District Council's planning committee.

Burton-in-Kendal Parish Council objected to the plans, citing impact on neighbouring houses, a lack of footpath access for future residents, and the inadequacy of access roads and the junction with the A6070.

Twenty-seven letters of objection were sent to SLDC, including a 48-name petition, and four residents shared their concerns with the planning committee. Tony Orr feared an increased risk of accidents, and said the "only credible course of action" was to reject the plans and ask the developer to submit new ones.

Karen Assiak, speaking for three households on Vicarage Lane, said the new homes would be "completely overbearing". She invited members of the planning committee to visit their houses to see how their privacy would be affected.

Jane Henderson was concerned about safety of pedestrians, and Jane Orr said there was no evidence of a housing shortage in Burton-in-Kendal, with some properties having been up for sale for months or years.

Richard Simm, speaking for applicant John Simm, warned that an appeal would be made if permission was refused as he was sure "all the boxes have been ticked".

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Councillors heard in a report that the site has already been allocated for housing. They were also told that highways officers were satisfied with access on to the A6070.

Cllr David Williams said he could see no reason to refuse the plans, and Cllr Janette Jenkinson said homes would only be built if there was a market for them.

However, Cllr Brian Cooper said he would be voting against, and he was concerned about "nil" access for pedestrians. "It's my ward and I've got to look after my residents," he said.

Committee chair Cllr Mary Wilson said that another application would be made to look at details such as design and landscaping.

The committee gave delegated authority to David Sykes, director of people and places, to give planning permission subject to agreements about affordable housing and maintenance.