SCEPTICAL residents raised concerns over plans to build 200 new homes on land earmarked for development in Grange-over-Sands.

The residential properties are proposed for a site on Kent's Bank, near Allithwaite Road, in accordance with South Lakeland District Council's Local Plan.

SLDC is also hoping to introduce 1.5 hectares of 'employment use' land for businesses to help boost the local economy.

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However, locals fear the impact that the large-scale development could have on the town, such as increasing traffic congestion.

At a public consultation meeting held at the Abbot Hall Hotel, Grange, on Tuesday, one concerned resident, Douglas Worrall, said he was 'totally against' the plans because he felt the development would 'finish off Grange as a tourist destination' by clogging-up roads.

Janet Eccles, who has lived in Grange for 18 years, feared the new development would 'clutter the area' but she did feel that new affordable homes would be a 'jolly good idea'.

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Is there any need? The roads are already blocked."

She went on to say: "There are already a lot of homes for sale in the area so why do we need more?"

However, Damian Law, planning officer at SLDC, sought to reassure worried locals by outlining the requirements for the development by saying that the site must comply with the character of the area.

Mr Law said: "It is on the edge of a built-up area so it's not like a brown field site.

"We will make sure it fits in with the landscape."

He went on to outline that accessibility was a big factor in the proposed plans and that ensuring safe access for cars and bikes as well as their proximity to important local facilities and services such as schools, shops and public transport was a top priority.

Mr Law also assured residents that the strip of woodland near the development, which divides Grange and Allithwaite, will remain in place in order to maintain the natural separation of the two areas.

Anybody who wishes to make a comment to SLDC regarding the planned Kent's Bank development should visit http://applications.southlakeland.gov.uk/ldfconsultation/

The deadline for responses is Friday, January 29, and updated plans are likely to be presented in the spring.