OUTLINE plans for up to 26 new homes on Kendal farmland have been lodged with South Lakeland District Council.

Gary Middlebrook of Natland-based Oakmere Homes (North West) is seeking consent to build on a triangle of land between Helme Drive and the old Lancaster Canal.

A brook that crosses the four-acre site beside Natland Mill Beck Lane is home to nationally important white-clawed crayfish, and is part of the River Kent Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, state planning documents.

Trees along the site boundary would be protected, and contractors would be on the lookout for protected species and nesting birds during construction. Should any be found during the build, works would halt so that specialist advice could be sought.