RESIDENTS are set to come together to discuss plans for a controversial housing development.

A meeting is to be held in Askam after a number of residents voiced concerns about the prospect of new homes being built on a piece of land used by the community.

The undeveloped area of land between Beach Street and Sharp Street in Askam is currently open to general public access in the village.

Ulverston-based Modlar Homes is understood to be interested in developing the land and residents say they have received letters from the firm with a view to obtaining pre-planning application feedback.

Ben Shirley, a county councillor for Dalton North has convened a meeting for residents to talk about their concerns about the potential plans.

He said: "It is for all the residents who would affected by the development of new houses.

"This is a communal area that is common land that local people use for recreational purposes.

"There are amphibious creatures such as newts and Natterjack toads.

"The last meeting of the parish council was full of people who were mainly concerned residents from Beach Street and Sharp Street.

"We are hoping to pull together as a group of residents to find a suitable outcome that protects the green space, the creatures that inhabit and doesn't impact too heavily on the local residents' lives."

Appealing for constructive discussion at the meeting, he said: "It's not about getting the torches and pitchforks out, it is about opening up sensible dialogue with everyone concerned and sending a loud message on behalf of the community."

Cllr Shirley said the letter from Modlar referred to the possibility of dividing the land so that an 11-metre strip would be retained on the Sharp Street side while six metres would remain on the Beach Street side for the use of residents and for access.

The invitation-only meeting takes place at Rankin Hall, in Askam's Duke Street on Monday (April 29) and starts at 7pm.

He welcomed the possibility of starter homes in the Askam but only if the village could take the increase in population.