Controversial plans to build 55 new homes have been given the go-ahead.

Councillors on the Copeland Borough Council's planning panel voted in support of the proposal, put forward by Genesis Homes, despite receiving a total of 61 objection letters.

The development will be built on green space, acting as a "bridge" between Rheda Park and Rheda Close, in Frizington.

The 55 plots will range from two-to-five-bedroom homes, with a mix of bungalows and two-storey houses being built.

But despite Genesis Homes land director John Blue reassuring people that the development will support local shops, provide over 100 jobs to the area and invest £4 million on local labour, objectors still weren't pleased.

"We will be having extra traffic from this, and the problems will only get worse," one speaker said.

"It seems that the developers are not playing with a straight bat – it seems that whatever you decide here and now, they intend in the future to carry on developing.

"On this basis the committee should deny them permission, and the plans should be modified so no roads are open-ended."

Another added, frustrated at how the new buildings will interfere with the views surrounding her home: "I want to express my anger and disappointment that the site visit did not include our property.

"Standing in a field and looking in our direction does not [show] how a two-storey house will look straight into our bedroom corridor window and bathroom windows."

One speaker initially supported the proposal, but changed allegiances due to the "developer's approach to local engagement".

"The unadopted access road at Rheda park is already used by a high level of unauthorised traffic, causing significant and accelerated damage to the road," they said.

"The maintenance cost to repair the damage to the road fall to residents, who three or so years ago contributed over £500 each for patch repair of the road.

"The proposed development will further increase unauthorised use of the road, and the associated damage incurring both significant amenity and cost disbenefits to residents."

Although they had been heavily-objected, the plans for the 3.75 hectare development were approved by the panel, with the decision prompting disappointed shouts from objectors.