TWO new houses at Kentrigg, Kendal, met with approval from planners despite 13 letters of objection and flooding fears raised by the town's civic society.

Applicant Catherine Hosein had her plans for a pair of four-bedroom, two-storey houses granted by South Lakeland District Council.

Kendal Civic Society had strongly urged planners to refuse. In a letter, the society said it was 'very concerned' because the land at Kent Lea is part of the flood plain and regularly floods, 'as it is supposed to do'.

After December 2015's disaster 'any erosion of the flood plain, however small, is surely a mistake', said the society.

Among 13 letters from objectors, concerns were also raised about flooding at the site, and the houses being 'too large' and not affordable.

However, planners granted permission after hearing that the house levels had been raised, taking into account last year's floods, according to Environment Agency requirements.