Concerned residents have hit out at plans to build new homes that would “only increase the risk of a serious accident or fatality’ in the village.

An application to create three homes at St Bees has been submitted to Copeland Borough Council, lying adjacent to St Bees School buildings and Abbey Vale.

According to the proposal, the 0.24-hectare-site was previously used by the school, but is no longer in use.

But those living in neighbouring homes on Abbey Vale have stressed their fears over the application, believing the development would increase the risks caused by the fast road and multiple access points.

Roxanne Benson, who lives on the estate, said: “Nobody has been in touch about the plans – none of us have been told about them or consulted whatsoever.

“There will be three access points for three houses right on to the fast road that cars speed along, and that’s a Sellafield rat run.

"The speeding and danger of the road is an ongoing issue, and it has been a worry for years.

“With traffic coming from so many directions, there’s the possibility of a four-way traffic collision there – it’ll be an accident waiting to happen if the plans are approved.”

The worried resident added: “It may be just three houses now, but what if that’s just the start?

“I honestly think if the development does go ahead, there’ll be a serious accident or a fatality.”

A spokesman for Copeland Borough Council, said: “We have received an application which is currently out for consultation.

"We have notified the appropriate parties by letter, and site notices are in place, in accordance with the planning legislation.

"As standard, residents are able to comment on the application by contacting our Planning Department, as part of the consultation process.

"The plans are available for the public to view at www.copeland.gov.uk.”

To view the application, visit the Copeland Borough Council website, and search for the plan reference number 4/20/2357/PIP.