CONTROVERSIAL plans for up to 158 new homes on fields east of Carnforth have been approved.

The outline plans prompted more than 85 objections from members of the public, with fears raised about increased traffic, parking problems and loss of greenbelt land.

However, Lancaster City Council's planning and highways regulatory committee this week granted consent for the new development between Brewers Barn and the A601(M). The fields were most recently used for growing maize.

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Carnforth Town Council was among objectors, expressing concerns about motorway status being removed from the nearby A road that links the M6 and the A6. In its response, the council flagged up the potential danger of non-motorway traffic getting onto the M6. It also expressed worries about increased demand on the town's GP surgery and school, as well as the potential for Carnforth to become a 'commuter town'.

In a report to Lancaster city councillors, a planning officer said the community had some 'justifiable' concerns, but recommended planning consent be granted.

Cllr Peter Yates, who represents Carnforth and Millhead, went against the advice to call for the outline plans to be refused.

However, nine councillors voted in favour of the plans, with five abstaining and one objecting. Thirty per cent of the homes are to be affordable.