CONCERNS have been raised that a Furness village is not properly equipped to deal with a number of new homes due to be built.

More than 100 new homes could be built in Askam with an application for a further 22 set to go before council planners.

Ben Shirley, councillor for Dalton North, said a number of residents in the area had contacted him to express their concerns at the number of new houses set to arrive.

He said: “People have contacted me that they’re concerned about the number of proposed housing developments in Askam and Ireleth .

“This is a village with Victorian infrastructure, many unadopted roads, failing sewage system, and we’ve got all country lane-style roads coming in and out of the village.

“And people are rightly concerned that the infrastructure doesn’t live up to the requirements of hundreds of extra new homes.

“People are saying they have no problems with the new homes, it’s just the infrastructure needs to be levelled up to ensure the demand is met.

The latest application, 22 new dwellings, would see homes situated on a site off Lots Road in the village.

In a statement making up the plans to Barrow council, the developers said: “The dwelling will have a positive impact on the community of Askam-in-Furness and provide much-needed housing in the locality."

It added: "It is our opinion that this a suitable and sustainable design of a residential development and responds well to the site and surrounding area.

“It meets all policy and standards and contributes to housing need in the borough.”

The site is described as ‘vacant greenfield land’ currently used for grazing.

The application said steps would be made to protect and encourage wildlife on the site, with an area of wild flowers due to be planted on the south east corner of the site.

There is also another potential housing development at land between Sharp Street and Beach Street, although no application has bee made at this time.

Mr Shirley encouraged residents who were concerned about an application to make their objections known to Barrow Borough Council’s planning department.

The influx of applications for new homes started last year after plans for 46 homes in James Street in the village were put forward.

Another plan for 29 houses on the Lots Road site has been submitted to Barrow council planners.