Angry villagers are fighting plans to build dozens of houses in Great Broughton.

Housing giant Story Homes wants to build 64 homes on land north of Broughton Park.

But since plans were lodged just over a month ago, more than 60 people have so far written to Allerdale Council to strongly object to the controversial scheme.

Those living in both Great and Little Broughton claim the new homes would join the two separate villages.

They also say it will cause bedlam to the already congested roads, put pressure on the drainage and sewage works and push the school's pupil intake to the limits.

A Story Homes spokesman has previously said that the development would bring a number of benefits to the local area, including a new public space for the community and upgrades to the village's play area.

Gail Inglis, of Broughton Park, has objected.

She said: "Great Broughton and Little Broughton are two distinct and separate villages with separate identities and they should not be conjoined as would be the result were this development to go ahead.

"General concerns have been raised about the local primary school and secondary school being already at full capacity."

And Margaret Light, of Broughton Cross, said: "It would be completely illogical to build this estate on green belt land where there isn't sufficient sewage and drainage facilities to facilitate these houses.

"Access for the amount of vehicles will be extremely hazardous because of the road and junctions.

"With the number of houses, the volume of cars will be overwhelming... Please think very carefully before destroying our village."

Another objector is Peter Quirk of Broughton Park. He regularly walks into the centre of the village and says he has to wear a high-visibility jacket to draw attention to himself on the "extremely busy road."

He added: "The additional traffic would add congestion to an already overburdoned village."

Allerdale councillor Nicky Cockburn, who lives in Great Broughton, has also spoke out.

She said: "Little Broughton is a village, Great Broughton is a village, the road sign says so. The proposal will result in adverse coalescence of two villages contrary to planning and appeal decision."

If the planning application is successful, the developer would look to start on site next summer.

Adam McNally, development planner for Story Homes, said: "Our proposals shall introduce much-needed quality new homes to the area, of which 25 per cent shall be affordable housing.

"The proposal includes significant new landscaping to provide biodiversity enhancements. We're also proposing offsite public footpath upgrades to improve connections to the village, as well as primary school space contributions as a result of the development."

Consultation into the plans closes on January 27.