PLANS to build three properties at a site in Great Orton have been unanimously approved by councillors.

The proposed development was for land south east of Roebuck Pastures, in Great Orton near Carlisle, with one single-storey building and two two-storey dwellings.

It forms part of a field, the northern part of which has been developed for seven other homes, known as Roebuck Pastures.

The planning application was considered by members of Cumberland Council's planning committee because it had been called in by councillor Trevor Allison (Dalston and Burgh, Conservative) because of issues raised in relation to highways and drainage.

The meeting was held on Wednesday (August 2) at the Civic Centre in Carlisle.

Speaking to members Stephen Daniel, a council planning officer, reassured them that measures would be put in place to protect the roots of a total of four protected trees at the site.

Neighbour Alan Furnell, who objected to the proposal, spoke at the meeting and said he had a number of objections to the scheme.

These included the fact that part of the development lay outside of the village boundary and he said: "It's a cramped development designed for maximum return on investment whilst ignoring safety."

A spokesman for the applicant told members that extending the current 30mph speed limit to include the whole of the development was 'perfectly normal'.

Councillor Tony Markley (Solway Coast, Conservative) said he supported the application and moved that they vote in favour of the recommended approval subject to a number of conditions.

Councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said he felt they should give the matter 'due consideration' and asked for clarification on one of the planning conditions.

Mr Daniel told him that it meant that the development could not start until the speed limit had been moved.

Councillor Jimmy Grisdale (Seaton, Labour) seconded the proposal to vote in favour of the application, subject to conditions, and it was given unanimous approval by the committee.