Plans for a controversial new housing development in a north Cumbrian village have been thrown out.

Members of Eden Council's planning committee yesterday refused permission for the 16-home development in Calthwaite. 

The plans had been met with opposition from both villagers and Hesket parish council.

Objections included existing traffic problems in Calthwaite and concern that the development would block sunlight to existing properties. 

Others also highlighted that the village school was already full and a brownfield site in the centre of the village was in need of development.

If successful, the site would have covered an area of 1.3 hectares.

A report to given to councillors ahead of the meeting stated that "officers remain of the opinion that the application complies with local planning policy."

However members of the committee instead decided to go against officers' recommendation and refused the application.

They said it would be an "inappropriate form of development which fails to show a clear understanding of the form and character" of the village and would not complement or enhance the area.