PLANS for a homes development in Cockermouth have sparked an outcry from residents concerned about the loss of a wildlife habitat, access and overdevelopment.

Two planning applications have been submitted to Allerdale in relation to the town's former fire headquarters.

One is for the erection of 13 dwellings - nine with five bedrooms, four with four bedrooms. The other is for the change of use from vacant plot to affordable housing development consisting of an apartment block off Rubby Banks Road.

More than 40 people have objected to the plans submitted by West Cumbrian businessman Bill Dobie, who already has approval for 23 apartments on the site off Station Road.

Many of the objections relate to the plan for the four-storey block of six one-bed apartments on woodland next to Victoria Bridge and overlooking the River Cocker.

The town council has recommended refusal of the plans on the basis of oversupply, the relocation of a public footpath and the loss of too many trees.

Frank Anderson, of Rubby Banks Road, said: "It seems like they're trying to separate the luxury homes from the affordable ones. Residents can't believe they're trying to put an apartment block there.

"There's no street lighting, it's an unadopted road. There could be 12 cars going in and out.

"At the moment we have trees, lots of red squirrels, bats, gold crests and migrating birds that come up. All of this will be disrupted if the trees are taken out."

Anne Knott, of Railway Terrace, has launched a campaign in opposition to the riverside development.

"People are supportive of affordable housing but pretty shocked that using this site (Rubby Banks) will so clearly destroy endangered wildlife, protected woodland, residents’ privacy and safe walking and cycling routes, not to mention the effect on drainage and integrity of the river banks in a flood-prone town,” she said.

"I hope that the current period of consultation means that planners, residents and the developer can listen to each other and work together. There is plenty of scope for the required number of affordable houses to be properly integrated on the old fire station site itself."

Long-time Railway Terrace resident Pat Branthwaite said: "You see red squirrels and birds of all types there. It's a lovely little area in Cockermouth, there's nowhere else quite like it."

The development includes garage space for four cars and two spaces between the building and Victoria Bridge.

The proposals include measures to replace trees which will be removed and landscaping.

More than 40 people have objected to the applications. The consultation regarding 13 homes ends on February 19, the other one ends on March 15.

Mr Dobie said of the overall development: "There's going to be certain trade-offs to the bigger picture for the community if you want to tidy up a very neglected site. This will be turned into a modern site with the appropriate infrastructure and landscaping being part and parcel of the development.

"That's the appropriate place to put the affordable homes if they want the site developed."