A PLANNING application for 15 new homes in a Lake District village have been approved - despite one objection saying that the market in the village was already 'saturated'.

Plans have been approved for 15 new homes, of which ten will be affordable, on land west of A66 in Braithwaite, nr Keswick, despite concerns being raised by a resident of a nearby village who said that the houses may lie 'stagnant' due to lack of demand.

The proposal  for the land includes 15 plots of two- five bedroom dwellings, including two bungalows, with the developers designing the plans to reflect 'the irregularity of farm houses and agricultural barns' in the Lake District.

A design and access statement supporting the application said: "The form of the development has been designed with the irregularity of farm houses and agricultural barns in mind, which has come about due to the visual impact upon the approach to Braithwaite along the A66; the heights of the buildings fall with the land.

"This should create an interesting street scene. As mentioned previously, the site sits at the foot of Braithwaite How, so it was a priority to maintain the character of the site where possible."

One objector to the development raised concerns around the stagnation of the property market in the area, believing the properties may just sit empty.

He said: "Over the last year the local housing market has become stagnant due to mortgage interest rates and the lack of buyers. This is evident everywhere locally and all the estate agents will confirm this is the case.

"In my village Bassenthwaite at least 5 properties including some with local occupancy have been on the market for many months with no offers. Braithwaite is the same with current houses for sale on the market for many months and prices constantly reduced with still no sales."

An officers report, which accompanied the decision notice dismissed the concerns raised about lack of demand among local occupancy buyers.

It said: "We have received an objection stating that there is no demand and that the market is saturated. In respect of the affordable housing the evidence of both demand and delivery indicates to the contrary.

"I am unaware of evidence of a lack of demand for local needs housing."

The plans were approved with conditions by the Lake District National Park Authority on July, 2.