Plans for 69 new homes in a West Cumbrian village have been approved – despite fears the infrastructure would not cope with the extra houses.

Allerdale council’s development panel approved Story Homes’ application to build the new estate on land next to the former Coachman Inn in Seaton.

The company’s planner Adam McNally said work will start in October and the first house will be ready in 12 months.

Despite receiving 30 letters of objections by residents and the opposition of the parish council, the plans were approved under condition that permitted development rights are removed for the three properties overlooking an existing nearby bungalow.

Councillor Celia Tibble, who represents the village on the parish, district and county council, wrote to the development panel objecting to the plans.

She said the panel had recently approved a development of 40 homes and a scheme for more than 100 homes is due to be discussed soon.

Coun Tibble added: “The centre of the village is prone to flooding, we have a Victorian drainage system and the main road through the village is already used by many people as a cut through from Broughton and Cockermouth.

“There isn’t a safe road to school and there are areas were there is no footpath.”

She added the development was unreasonable due to the size and nature of the village.

But Mr McNally said the construction of a drainage basin opposite the new site would improve flooding issues in the village.

Michael Wilkinson, of Whitestiles, raised concerns about accommodating the extra children the development would bring to the village.

He said: “At the infants school children are already taught in portacabins, the neighbour next door but one from me and the one next door were refused entry to school because of over capacity and there’s a waiting list for the junior school.”

One of the conditions imposed by Allerdale council states Story will have to pay £120,510 towards provision of school places at Seaton Junior School.

The application was approved with 11 votes in favour and one against.