ANGRY councillors and concerned residents have slammed a new development of 177 homes.

The new estate, on land south of Allithwaite Road, near Grange, will include 87 homes in phase one and 12 bungalows plus 78 extra care apartments in phase two.

Phase two will also see commercial space for restaurants and cafes with hot food takeaway.

It was given the green light by members of South Lakeland District Council's planning committee despite concerns over the number of affordable homes in the proposals.

Of the 87 new homes planned, only nine have been identified to be affordable.

Valerie Kennedy, who was speaking on behalf of a number of residents opposed to the plans, said: “It does not provide an adequate buffer between Kents Bank and Allithwaite, nor does it provide 35 per cent of affordable houses.

"It does not protect nearby lower line land from flooding and a small children’s play area does not constitute a green buffer.

"This will urbanise Kents Bank and Allithwaite, which could one day become part of the Lake District National Park.”

Developers Lancet Homes also hope to create a wildlife corridor through the site with a badger mitigation area.

Alan Gib, the chief executive of Holker Estates, which owns the land, defended the development.

He said: “We care deeply about the legacy of the site.

"We are committed to quality and design and have set the development back from the main road and added a new village green.

"We have met with parish councillors and community groups to assure them that we will maintain a green gap on the western boundary. We think this will create a legacy in a sensitive way.”