Plans for 25 new homes on a former fish factory site have moved a step closer.

The housing development on land off Linden Row, Hensingham, Whitehaven, is set to feature a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes.

Outline planning permission had already been given to AM Lawson Ltd for 34 homes which the firm has now reduced to 25.

Copeland's planning panel has approved additional details not approved at the initial outline stage.

Councillors were told that the number of proposed homes has been reduced following "a detailed site investigation".

There is a major gas pipeline on the site, which requires "a buffer zone" and developers also want to keep a section of trees on the site.

A report presented to Copeland councillors states: "The layout is of a simple form and shows the proposed dwellings arranged around a central spine road. The proposed dwellings are to be two storeys in height and will comprise a mix of detached and semi-detached units."

One letter of objection was sent to Copeland Council citing concerns about traffic and highway safety issues.

And councillor Peter Connolly raised concerns at the meeting about the road safety for children, who walk to school along that route.

Following discussions, councillors agreed with a report set out by planning officers which said: "This is considered to be an acceptable proposal which will provide additional housing on a brownfield site in a sustainable location to meet existing housing needs.

"The provision of improvements to the junction at the entrance to the site will help to secure improvements to highway safety to the locality."

The site known as the fish factory was built in the 1970s. It was owned by Cumberland Cold Storage Ltd and latterly Youngs Seafoods Ltd. The factory closed in 2011.