CONTROVERSIAL gates installed at a Cockermouth housing estate without permission can stay as long as locks are removed.

Allerdale council's development panel met to decide the future of gates in boundary walls of the Woodville Park development.

Developer Washington Homes sparked public outcry when it put in the locked gates, at the ends of New Street and Derwent Street, last year.

Residents in the existing areas of the town argued that locked gates would divide the community and prevent children using a safe shortcut to school.

Cumbria police said footpath links between Woodville Park, off Sullart Street, and existing roads could create community tension over road safety and antisocial and criminal behaviour.

Richard Woodhead and Jim Meighan, of Woodville Park, told councillors they would like to see the gates kept, though unlocked.

Mr Woodhead said he was also keen to see railings, planned as part of the developer's retrospective application, installed to make access up and down steep pathways safer.

Mr Meighan added that some separation was needed between Woodville Park and existing roads to prevent vehicles using the access.

The meeting heard there were concerns over pedestrian safety and the gates increased Woodville Park residents' sense of security.

The panel heard that bollards originally planned could not be installed because of utilities running under those stretches of road.

Rebecca Wilson, planning officer, said residents of Woodville Park itself did not agree over whether the access should be open or shut and the developer had sought a compromise.

Councillor Mark Jenkinson said the gates could be difficult for people with disabilities to operate and recommended refusing planning permission, seconded by Coun Ron Munby.

Speaking about the New Street gate, Coun Tony Markley: "The residents have accepted that they want the gate.

"It has to be made disability friendly."

He moved approval of that gate, seconded by Carole Armstrong.

Coun Armstrong moved approval of the Derwent Street gate, seconded by Coun Jim Osborn.

The votes were split six to six and planning permission was granted for each gate on the casting vote of panel chairman Peter Bales.

Washington Homes Ltd has three months to remove the locks and install handrails.