UNPOPULAR plans for three dormer bungalows and a Co-op store in Bolton-le-Sands met with approval, despite objections from MP David Morris, the village cricket club and a 454-signature petition from residents and the WI.

Six objectors to the plans by applicant Langdale Capital spoke out at this week's meeting of Lancaster City Council's planning and highways regulatory committee.

Among those opposed to the development on farmland off Bye Pass Road and behind numbers 18-24 Monkswell Avenue are the nearby Bolton-le-Sands Cricket Club, city councillor for Bolton-le-Sands John Wild and Lancashire county councillor Stuart Morris.

Cllr Morris has voiced concerns about cricket balls being hit into the Co-op car park, as well as loss of trade at existing shops.

Flood risk fears have been raised by the Morecambe and Lunesdale MP, David Morris, and 36 neighbours have written to planners saying the village does not need more shops or homes. There was one letter of support.

Bolton-le-Sands Parish Council has said it has no objections to the four-bedroom bungalows, but it objects to the Co-op shop, because of implications for play and public liability insurance at the cricket club.

However, planning committee members voted ten to two in favour of the plans, with two abstentions.

City council planning officers said, in their report, they did not consider there would be a detrimental impact on flooding or drainage.

A boundary fence for the cricket club has been recommended.

According to planning documents, the Co-op would be open 6am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday, and would have five full-time and 15 part-time staff.

The plot of land is close to half a hectare and is divided by a public right of way and a brook, Mill Dam.