PLANS for six self-build, affordable houses near Kirkby Lonsdale have been revealed.

Applicant David Ireland is seeking consent for the half-dozen homes on farmland grazed occasionally by sheep, in the hamlet of High Biggins.

Mr Ireland and his immediate family are "in acute housing stress with three generations living in the same household" because local house prices are out of reach, according to planning documents lodged with South Lakeland District Council.

Mr Ireland states that he is "well aware of many other families in a similar situation but who don't want to rent or buy into social housing" because they would like to build their own home.

Self-builders would be given advice on quantity surveying, technical issues and architecture; as well as help linking up to mains water, sewers and electricity.

The three-bedroom houses, proposed for a plot of land off Pit Lane, would be render and stone, with blue/grey slate roofs and timber doors and windows.