PLANS to build 55 homes in a South Lakeland village were met with scathing criticism from councillors who unanimously rejected the proposal.

South Lakeland District Council planning committee member Kevin Lancaster described Oakmere Homes’ submission to develop a site at Natland as the most outrageous he had ever seen.

Councillors heard that the site to the east of Longmeadow Lane is within a designated green gap between the village and Oxenholme. Planning officers said the principle of development was ‘unacceptable’ because of the designation, which aims to prevent the joining up of two communities.

“It could not be more clear that this site is not allocated for housing,” said Cllr Lancaster. “This is arguably the most outrageous application I’ve seen in my time on this committee.

“Emphatically, I oppose this application more vehemently than any other application I’ve seen on this authority.”

Cllr Janette Jenkinson added: “As green gap this land has status in the Local Plan. It’s protecting communities.

“They’re not put in there for fun, they’re put in because areas don’t want to merge into one another.”

Further concerns were raised about the ability of roads to handle the extra traffic, the impact on the character of the village, and the fact that the affordable housing provision was one short of the required 35 per cent.

Kate Bellwood, the agent present on behalf of Oakmere Homes, had asked for the application to be deferred to allow further consultation.

“I told the officer before the committee report was finalised we would be submitting more highways information, but this is not referred to in the report,” she told the meeting.

“Simply, we have further essential information we feel is relevant to this application that needs consultee comments to guide your decision.

“We have not been given any opportunity to submit further information to resolve concerns or to submit the evidence to back up our claims.”