OUTLINE plans for up to 11 new homes at Hornby village met with unanimous approval.

The dwellings are proposed by applicant Mr P Norris for grassland on the southern outskirts, beyond a disused railway line.

Neighbours sent 11 letters of objection to Lancaster City Council, raising concerns such as:

- loss of light and privacy, and overshadowing

- increased noise and disturbance in a quiet, peaceful area

- the closeness of the access road to a blind humpback bridge

- cars not sticking to the existing 20mph speed limit

- harm to the natural beauty of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

- and lack of evidence of the need for new housing.

There was one letter of support, which nevertheless drew attention to the lack of a safe footpath between the site and the village's Lunesdale Court.

Hornby-with-Farleton Parish Council did not object but said it had concerns about the access road's location and increased traffic. Highways officers also had no objections but asked for measures to slow down drivers on the humpback bridge.

The Forest of Bowland AONB Partnership opposed the plans, saying the elevated nature of the new housing site would have a "significant" effect on the landscape.

A conservation officer recommend the homes be no more than two storeys high and built from traditional materials.

Members of Lancaster City Council's planning and highways regulatory committee approved the outline plans unanimously. They heard from planning officers that the effect on the countryside would be "no more than moderate".