OPPONENTS to a housing development which has already been refused planning permission have been urged to fight against an appeal from the developers.

Natland-based Oakmere Homes have appealed to the planning inspectorate to overturn South Lakeland District Council's decision to refuse permission for more than 100 homes next to Ulverston's Lund Farm estate.

SLDC's planning committee unanimously rejected the planned development on flooding and road safety concerns.

But with developers now appealing that decision, Ulverston Town Council members have called on the public to convince a Government planning inspector not to reverse the ruling. The town council itself had recommended the proposal be turned down before the SLDC decision was made.

"I think our previous position and the position taken by SLDC is one we should soundly and robustly reiterate and we should write to the planning inspectorate with that," said Cllr Mark Wilson. "I am in touch with several residents who are preparing a strong and robust rebuttal to the plans in new ways.

"They're looking at it very seriously and I am helping them with what I can do and I know SLDC planning officers have promised robust opposition to this being railroaded through."

Cllr Janette Jenkinson added: "I'm pleased to hear the appeal will be in Ulverston and I hope residents on the estate will go down and have their say. They will be entitled to have their say."

"Preparation here is the key," warned Cllr Bharath Rajan. "The more preparation you have the more chance you have of being able to persuade the inspector.

"I'm sure the applicants are going to go with reams of paper. If residents are really serious about actually making a point they have to actually go (prepared)."

Anyone wishing to make a representation at the appeal should register at https://www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate before the deadline of January 3, 2018.