A HOUSING developer has submitted plans to develop more than 100 new homes on the site of recent flooding in a South Lakes town.

The development on the site at Lund Farm in Ulverston would see 109 houses built as part of the district council's commitment to build new homes.

As part of South Lakeland District Council's local plan, 1,200 homes have been earmarked for construction in the town.

They will, in part, meet local demand for new housing, but also cater for new residents drawn to the area by investment at GlaxoSmithKline and BAE Systems.

When the plan was first announced earlier this year, there was criticism from local residents over safety issues and congestion that would be generated by the site.

SLDC councillor for Mid Furness, Andrew Butcher, is against the proposal, citing the large risk posed by flooding on the development site.

He said: "I am concerned, as most residents don't want houses here. I don't want houses here and I think if we think about it long enough, nobody wants them here. They will only create flooding."

If their application is approved, Oakmere Homes will build a mixture of one, two and three-storey homes with one, three and four bedrooms.

This site will be one of 11 across the town that will be built to cope with the expansion of the town over the next decade.

However, residents have been vocal in making their unhappiness over the proposed plans heard.

Since the plans were made public, there have been dozens of negative comments submitted on the SLDC planning website.

Objections have been raised on the grounds of safety, with residents concerned over the risk to pedestrians from an increase in residential traffic, and the presence of heavy machinery during construction.

The ever-present fear of flooding was also at the forefront of people's objections as the land on which the houses will be built was under water as recently as August.

Torrential rain broke the banks of the nearby Dragley Beck, resulting in water lapping at the doors of nearby homes.

The Environment Agency has since committed to a survey of the area in order to develop a flood prevention plan to secure the town against any future flooding.

Cllr Butcher, who received four calls from worried residents on Friday alone, said he would bring his and his constituents' concerns to Ulverston Town Council.

He said: "We, as a council, should look to protect everybody. Not only the businesses in the town, but also residents, and future residents."

Oakmere Homes were approached for comment but did not reply by the close of business on Friday.