Cockermouth will not get a masterplan to help manage future development after the town council refused to back the project for the third time.

Councillors first discussed the possibility last May of creating a neighbourhood development plan, which could be used when planning applications were considered in the future.

It came amid concerns from residents who felt the town needed greater control over future development amid concern that too many new homes were being built.

But town councillors voted against the project, concerned about the time the project would take and how much it would cost. It was also felt that Allerdale council's local plan provided the necessary safeguards.

Following that decision, a lobby group was formed to demonstrate public support for a masterplan, with a number of people offering their services for free to help draw it up.

In January the group, which was backed by at least 200 people, addressed town councillors in the hope of changing their minds.

But they were unconvinced and again voted not to support the project, suggesting that the group should return in the future with more information.

The lobby group drew up a project plan with an estimated budget and skills audit.

It estimated the cost would be £11,300 and said much of the work could be undertaken by community volunteers.

This week that information was presented to councillors but they again rejected the proposal to draw up a plan, with eight votes against and two in favour.

Councillor Eric Nicholson said: "Allerdale council does have enough safeguards in place now. It didn't before so developers went for the jugular.

"It would a significant financial burden to the town to do this project properly."

Councillors Alan Smith and Len Davies supported the idea of a plan. Coun Smith said: "If we have not got a plan in place these developers will ride through this town on a coach and horses."

Coun Davies said: "This would not stop development but control it. Strawberry How is in the wrong end of town and will cause all sorts of problems."

After the meeting, lobby group co-chairman Ros Earthy said: "We are extremely disappointed at what seems to be a very short-sighted and cowardly decision.

"The group put considerable work into producing a proposal and the council did not even have the basic courtesy to thank us for our interest or this work."

Civic trust chairman Phil Campbell said: "I am very disappointed at the town council's decision and their lack of vision.

"I am angry at the council's lack of community involvement and in their unwillingness to consult on a very significant decision with implications for the future of Cockermouth.

"I am also deeply disappointed at the lack of recognition by the council of the effort put in by the community group over the last year and their dismissal of evidence established by the group without putting any counter evidence in the public domain for scrutiny."

Mrs Earthy said the group was now considering its options.