After a developer hit back at claims their donation to the community was “an insult”, readers of The Whitehaven News have shared their thoughts.

With Swift Homes Ltd set to build 26 homes in the heart of Lamplugh, many residents raised concerns over what the development means for the area.

The developer’s initial plan to meet the section 106 agreement – a clause stating the village should be benefitted in some way by the plans – was to create a community centre on the site, offering everyone a place to meet and utilise for activities.

But following complaints, Swift Homes Ltd instead opted to build two further homes, and make a donation between £35,000 and £45,000 to the village hall committee – a value branded “disgusting” by some.

And now our readers have shared their thoughts, with one saying: “This shows just how out of touch the planning authority is when they impose a planning condition to build a new village hall that the community do not wish for.

“Are local people’s views actually worth anything to the planning authority?”

But another reader felt there were other key topics to discuss, and said: “Not everyone wants the money to go to the village hall group, there are other things in the village we could spent it on, to benefit everyone.

“The village hall group could end up taking months or years and probably overpaying to build another hall on the busy main road.

“The new houses look nice enough. There are more important things going on in the world!”

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts on the proposal at letters.wn@cnmedia.co.uk.