AN overwhelming number of objections contributed to councillors rejecting an "outrageous" plan for housing on the edge of Kendal.

A proposal by Oakmere Homes to build 26 new properties near Natland Mill Beck Lane, to the west of the roundabout near the town's Asda supermarket, was refused by members of South Lakeland District Council's Planning Committee.

Councillors heard that the plan had received 57 letters of objection, with neighbours concerned that the narrow lane would not be able to cope with increased levels of traffic.

There were also fears that the development would have a negative impact on the appearance of the land, designated as Amenity Open Space, and how the beck would cope with future floods with the development.

A planning officer's report said: "The application has not demonstrated that 26 dwellings could be accommodated on the site without harm to the green infrastructure significance of the Amenity Open Space."

The application had previously been recommended for refusal by Kendal Town Council, Natland Parish Council, Cumbria County Council highways and Kendal Civic Society.

Cllr Philip Dixon, leading the opposition to the proposal, said: "Over the years we have had so much trauma and upset over the land allocation plan and the whole benefit of the local development plan was so that we would have a framework.

"We have a plan and this doesn't fit within it, we have plenty of allocated sites.

"I'm happy to support the recommendation and leave Natland Mill Beck as it is."

Cllr Sylvia Emmott added: "This is the most outrageous application I have seen in a long time. As a local resident I am very familiar with Natland Mill Beck Lane and it would be an outrage if this were approved."

There was a unanimous vote to accept the planning officer's recommendation to refuse planning permission.