A plan to build six houses just outside Whitehaven has been received by Copeland planners.

Previous proposed developments on the greenfield site at Mill Hill Farm, Keekle, have been turned down after local opposition.

Plans for a nine-house estate were thrown out by planners in 2012 after the application attracted nine letters of objection and a 224-signature petition.

Jackson Timber Ltd, which was behind the 2012 plans and the new proposal, has already converted previously unused buildings on the same site into residential and holiday units.

However, objectors to the previous application raised concerns that the existing road network is poor and cannot accommodate the additional traffic and that the existing junction to the site, on the busy Keekle to Moor Row minor road, is dangerous and would create a safety hazard if houses were built.

Traffic has long been an issue on the road and Moor Row Community Primary School recently joined forces with the police in campaigning for lower speeds.

A spokesperson for Jackson’s agent Taylor & Hardy, said the new plans will provide “valuable high quality executive homes for which there is an identified need.”

Its statement added: “The proposal provides the opportunity to deliver a small scale, sustainable housing development on a site that is well related to the existing built form of Cleator Moor and is within close proximity to major employment providers.”

Weddicar Parish Council launched an objection to the 2012 plans, having gathered views from the neighbouring areas of Keekle, Galemire, Padstow and Goosebutts.

It is holding a public meeting to discuss the new plans on Wednesday. The meeting starts at 7pm in Keekle Village Hall.

Clerk, Maureen Hunter, welcomed residents to go along and voice their opinions.