CONCERNS over floodwater drainage and access were aired by residents at a public consultation into plans to build 197 homes on land at the edge of Kendal.

The green field site north of Laurel Gardens has been allocated for development in South Lakeland District Council's Local Plan and on Tuesday locals were able to scrutinise the proposals at Carus Green Golf Club.

Stacey Shepherd, of Blackthorn Close, said: "My main concern is flooding. They have addressed that but if you put a lot of houses here where we already get a lot of water it'll make it worse.

"I also like having a green field at the back of my house, it's great for walking the dogs."

Another concerned resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I think one of the considerations is the drainage.

"These houses around here are regularly flooded and we would see a lot more of that.

"We have to have development but we need to consider the problems."

Further to drainage worries, concerns were raised about the proposed site entry at the northeast of the land from Burneside Road – where there is a concealed bend in the road and speeding cars could be an issue.

Planning officer Laura Chamberlain acknowledged the concerns but stressed sites like the one under consideration are needed to meet housing demand.

"Housing targets have been set so we have to plan for a set amount of houses," she said. "The site has now got land allocation status so in principle the council wants to see housing there."

Alastair McNeill, development plans manager for SLDC, added: "There are possibly 100 sites in the whole district to meet housing needs in the next 10 years.

"The land allocation was outlined in local plans in December 2013."

SLDC is holding another public consultation on the development brief for a site at Allithwaite Road, Grange-over-Sands, on Tuesday January 19 at the Abbot Hall Hotel in the town.