Plans to build 69 houses in west Cumbria look set to be approved next week.

Story Homes' application to develop the field next to the former Coachman Inn, at High Seaton, near Workington, which has been called in by Councillor Celia Tibble, has been recommended for approval by Allerdale council's planning officers.

The proposal will be considered by the council's development panel on Tuesday at Allerdale House at 1pm.

The recommendation is subject to a contribution of £120,510 towards provision of school places at Seaton Junior School and 25 per cent of the housing being affordable, while the developer would also have to ensure a management company took on the maintenance of the open space, play area, green space and landscaped areas.

Officers said: "The proposed development represents a relatively large extension to the existing village of Seaton and has generated a number of objections, from residents of the village, based upon concerns primarily relating to the scale, flooding, impacts on services within the village and the highway network.

"These concerns are acknowledged and have been addressed within the consideration of the application.

"It should also be recognised that in relation to the spatial strategy set out in the adopted Allerdale Local Plan, Seaton is considered to be part of the principal centre of Workington which is intended to be the focus for major new development in Allerdale."

Seaton parish council had previously objected to the plans due to fears the application could increase flooding, the infrastructure would struggle to cope and the site access from the main road could risk accidents.

It added that the potential for methane gas leakage was a concern due to old mine workings in the area and said the proposal was overdevelopment and unneighbourly.

Story Homes announced plans to build on the land in 2015.

The proposal includes a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom houses and the creation 193 parking spaces with a play area and street lighting.