CONCERNS have been raised by residents living near to land which has been granted permission for nearly 50 new homes to be built on.

Copeland planners approved the plans by Genesis Homes to develop five and a half hectares of land between Rheda Close and Rheda Park, on the outskirts of Frizington.

It will see 47 “high quality homes”, built on the greenfield site known as Rheda Park (North). A new junction will be made on the B5294 road to access the estate.

The scheme was opposed by residents who highlighted issues relating to traffic, the environment and the landscape.

Speaking at Copeland Council's planning meeting, Lisa Knox, who lives at Rheda Park, said: "There will be a loss of privacy as the proposed buildings are two-storey, directly adjacent to our properties which are bungalows.

"Mine in particular is at a lower elevation so would be overshadowed and also have significant loss of light for the whole morning which affects my business.

"It was proposed there would be some immature planting which will take several years to mature so initially there won't be any privacy gained for us. It's going to take 10 years for that to mature.

"We believe there will be a significant effect on the character of the area. It's a quiet countryside area. Currently it's really dark, it's beautiful, there's no light pollution, a minimum amount of traffic.

"There's going to be residential areas that just merge. It will detract from the natural landscape. It's an area that's been grazed by sheep for centuries. Why should that change? We're on the edge of the Lake District. I just don't understand.

"Currently there are over a hundred detached houses for sale in a five-mile radius. What is the need for this development?"

Ms Knox also highlighted problems over increased surface water.

"Currently that is an issue for my property and properties that lie adjacent to that land. It runs straight down Rheda Park road, damages it and the repairs are paid for by us."

Ms Knox was also worried about the increased traffic coming through Rheda Park.

"It's a single track driveway. It's not a road. People use it as a cut-through. It's not a de-tour for people who aren't residents.

"The extra traffic and cost of repairs, comes down to the residents and I'm worried that won't be accounted for which would mean there's a potential for us to decide to cut that road off."

Malcolm Knight, chairman of Rheda Park Residents Association, also voiced his concerns over increased traffic.

Speaking at the meeting, he said: "The proposed development will release anywhere up to a hundred cars on to an already busy B-road. The exit left from the B5294 road is quite dangerous. None of this appears to be considered.

"The environmental study involves mainly desktop studies of recorded species which are sadly lacking in accuracy. The stated 82 recorded incidences of red squirrels - I could probably match that in my garden alone.

"Do you really want to destroy this beautiful patch of open countryside? Once it's gone, it won't come back. In fact it is more likely to lead to further development."

Julie Diamond, principal planner at WYG Planning, agents for the developer, said: "The development proposal has been confirmed as being of an appropriate scale in a sustainable location.

"The application offers a high-quality development which will provide a range of executive homes to meet a locally identified need. The scheme will be highly landscaped and will reflect the attractive and rural setting of Rheda Park.

"The site is within flood zone one and there is a low risk of flooding in this site. The proposed development will incorporate a sustainable drainage solution which will ensure the site is drained appropriately.

"In relation to highways impact, transport engineers have calculated that a safe and appropriate access can be easily achieved and the wider network will not be adversely affected."The development will not adversely impact any protected species as the proposed landscaping and planting plans will strengthen and improve the connective corridors used by species such as bats, owls and squirrels. The scheme is designed to be very green in character.

"The proposed dwellings will make a positive contribution to the council's housing supply and improve the area's reputation as a provider of high quality housing."

The applicants originally wanted to build 140 new homes on the site but the proposal was withdrawn in August and an amended scheme submitted to the council.