Plans to build luxury holiday accommodation have been met with opposition.

The former Military base in Anthorn has had plans submitted to create eighty holiday units and change the use of the site.

Residents have complained that it will be unsightly will have and impact on the area of outstanding beauty.

The plans which have been submitted by agent hope to gain approval for a club house and sports facilities.

The applicant who owns land at Anthorn Camp which still has remains of the base evident with a number of derelict buildings, such as access roads and hardstandings is keen to develop the site that will help to regeneration and create employment opportunities.

It is believed that the former base was built in February 1918 as a Fleet Air Arm (FAA) airfield. It was abandoned after World War I ended. The RAF reinstated the airfield at the beginning of World War II as an emergency landing ground for nearby RAF Silloth.

A resident of the area who is opposing the development said: " The idea of building Holiday lets on the old army camp is both stupid and dangerous, people who do not know the area could end up trapped by high tides or worse drowned. "This is also an area of ONB would this still be the case if thousands of feet were trampling all the plant life or all the shouting/ screaming scaring the wildlife away.

"People chose this area to live in for the peace and tranquillity, please do not destroy what we, the residents have.

"Keep Anthorn safe from the hundreds of cars that would pollute the area on a daily basis so destroying the environment."

Agent John Tweddle said: "This a a great opportunity for the area and receiving objections is part of the process."

The existing site consists of a privately-owned parcel of land and is currently disused and the buildings on the site lie derelict including disused access roads, hardstandings and security fences.

The development site is visually discrete to minimise its impact on the surrounding area. Existing landscaped areas would be maintained on the wider land holding plus additional planting, including tree planting, would be implemented as part of any planning permission.

The proposal will create jobs and provide wider economic benefits. The expected number of jobs created from the proposals are for 12 full-time jobs plus other seasonal positions. The proposals would also bring about £7 million of private investment. The development will include two ponds and additional landscaping and tree planting. This will provide a diverse range of habitats for wildlife.