Plans for a controversial play area on a Workington estate are set to be given the go-ahead - despite fierce objection by residents.

Allerdale planning officers have recommended plans to build a play area on the Forgehill Park estate for approval, despite receiving 31 letters of objections from residents and the opposition of Workington town council.

Gordon Henry, who led the residents' opposition, said: "They are shortchanging the families and children of the estate. If this plan goes ahead we will be considering our options for appealing."

When Persimmon Homes built the 92-home development, part of the planning conditions was to build a play area.

But the company initially did not comply with it, sparking rage among residents.

The estate was modified under additional housing applications during the course of its construction and the site initially earmarked for the play area became unavailable.

Now Persimmon wants to install a toddler swing, a slide and climbing area, as well as a bench and a bin. The area would be enclosed by a one-metre high close board fence.

Residents have objected to the position and size of the new site, which would be located in a strip of grass between a bin storage area and a car park.

A Persimmon Homes Lancashire spokesman said: "All space available for development has been reviewed, in conjunction with the council, with both parties concluding the location identified is the most appropriate for the playground."

Planning officers said despite the amount of equipment being lower than that normally required, it was considered proportional to the size of the housing site.

Mr Henry said: "It's trying to make the best of a bad job, it's not the way planners and developers should be dealing with play provisions in the 21st century. It's just shambolic.

"If this goes through it will be a failing of planning and a failing of democracy.

"There are planning policies and play provision strategies that haven't been complied with and I think this needs to be looked at by another agency with a fresh pair of eyes."

A spokesman for Workington town council said: "A discussion was held on the various spaces on the site and the suitability of each for play equipment.

"The play area detailed in the application provides limited access for users and poses health and safety issues.

"On this basis councillors recommend refusal and suggest access to the play area be improved, including additional gates. It was noted that the development phases of the site had reduced the capacity for play provisions on the site and it was suggested that long term requirements for a development be reinforced throughout the application process."

The application is due to be discussed by Allerdale's development panel at Hunday Manor Country House Hotel, Workington, today TUE .