A controversial housing application near to a Copeland church grotto has been given the green light.

Outline plans for seven houses near to St Mary's Church, Cleator, were approved by Copeland planners today (Wednesday) despite objections from the church community.

Around 40 parishioners had gathered at the grotto to hold a silent protest on Saturday to show their displeasure.

Speaking at the planning meeting, Jim Youdale, vice chairman of the parochial council of St Mary's, said the the development would spoil the "peace and tranquillity" of the grotto.

He said: "The grotto is important in terms of the sociocultural history of Cleator Moor and I feel this development could put this at risk."

Hundreds of people from across the diocese visit the grotto during an annual pilgrimage held in early September.

Parish priest Father Paul Johnstone aired his views, on behalf of the parish, in a letter to the panel, in which he stressed he was worried about the harm the development would cause to the "unique attraction and ethos of the grotto grounds and its many visitors" and questioned the need for the houses.

Last month, the plans had been set to get the go-ahead but, after hearing from two objectors, councillor Doug Wilson requested a site visit before the planning panel made a final decision.

Six councillors - Michael McVeigh, Alan Jacob, Andy Pratt, Denise Burness, John Dirom and William Kirkbride - voted in favour of the plans while Charles Maudling voted against.

Two letters of objection were originally received by the panel and an additional 11 letters were sent after the first meeting.

Elwyn Evans, who organised the protest, said: "The people of Cleator Moor built the grotto with pick and shovel.

"It is a replica of a shrine in Lourdes, it is on consecrated land that has a vow of silence and people go there to pray and remember deceased family and friends."

Applicant Richard Mulholland already had planning consent for 21 houses on land near to the new site. He submitted a plan illustrating how seven new houses could fit on the site, with details of how landscaping could reduce the impact on the surrounding area.

Speaking on his behalf, his agent Peter Shannon said the development would improve the "economic and social prospects of the area" and that "tree planting is proposed on the site and the land adjacent" to soften the impact on the grotto.

He also said there is "no overriding adverse impacts on the living conditions of local residents".