Contentious plans for 12 homes in Whitehaven look to be given the green light next week.

Copeland planners have been recommended to approve Swift Homes Ltd's plans for the homes at Rannerdale Drive at a meeting on Wednesday.

The development of the agricultural land has been been a controversial issue for over a year. Last July, Swift applied for outline planning permission for nine homes on a smaller area of land.

The application was approved by Copeland councillors despite the proposals prompting 36 letters of objection. The new plans would increase the number of homes, from nine to 12.

These new plans have been met with 19 letters of objection and one letter of support.

Concerns raised in letters include the development's impact on landscape, traffic, ecology and drainage. There were also concerns about overshadowing because of the elevated nature of the site.

A former applicant - North Associates - applied and then withdrew two outline applications for 35 homes on a larger section of land.

However, a report by planning officers, stated: "This site lies on the edge of Whitehaven and is well related to existing residential development.

"The submitted scheme is restricted to low density bungalows which are of a high standard of design. This will enhance the choice of homes within the town and reflect an identified local housing need.

"The scheme has been designed to minimise the impacts on the adjoining residents and includes full landscaping proposals which illustrate that the development would fit into the landscape and establish a softer, more attractive edge to this part of the town."

A design and access statement from Swift Homes Ltd says: "Whilst acknowledging that any proposal for ten or more dwellings constitutes a "major" application, in planning terms the reality is that 12 dwellings is not major in terms of housing numbers.

"The difference between nine dwellings approved on the outline consent and the twelve dwellings now proposed is at best marginal.

"The nature of the development now proposed will in fact go some way to meeting the acknowledged deficit for detached executive style homes in the borough."