Detailed plans for 22 homes in a West Cumbrian that sparked a row over affordable housing have been given the green light.

Washington Homes Ltd had outline planning permission to build the homes at Lawson Garth, Brigham but faced a backlash after trying to remove affordable housing from its plan, stating that it would make the development unviable.

The firm has now amended its plans though, agreeing to provide four three-bedroom low-cost homes, and Allerdale council's development panel voted unanimously to approve the revised proposals.

The council's planning officials recommended that the application be approved because the changes to the plan were said to be an improvement.

Councillor Adrian Davis-Johnston moved approval of the application on the basis that it was “an improvement on the baseline scheme”.

The panel heard from Mark Greaves, of Brigham Parish Council, who believed the residents of a neighbouring property would have to live with much less light from the south as a result of the development and suggested the developer should have factored in the required community contributions before the first application.

Mr Greaves added: “We note the amendments and we support the retention of the contributions.”

Daniel Addis, a planning consultant representing Washington Homes, said a compromise had been reached with Allerdale council officers regarding the contributions.

Mr Addis added that the developer had agreed to reduce the ridge and fence height and graded some earth around the property mentioned by Mr Greaves.

The county council called for the developer to pay more than £70,000 towards providing extra places at the village school or meeting the cost of transporting children to other schools.

It is also asked for £20,900 towards road improvements, and £7,500 to fund a 30mph speed limit in front of the development.

Councillors agreed that Washington Homes should provide all three funding pots.

Changes made to the plans included a reduction in the height of three bungalows and some fencing.

Additional tree planting has also been provided.

There had been more than 50 letters of objection following the developer's decision to remove affordable housing from its plan submitted earlier in the year.