Children in a West Cumbrian village could lose out on new play equipment if drainage problems at their village play areas are not resolved, a meeting heard.

Allerdale council's development panel heard that a legal agreement attached to plans for 25 new homes at Oughterside could be unworkable because of problems with the play areas.

Jim Lister secured outline planning permission for the development at Meadow Bank last year.

Under the permission, he was required to pay £4,865 to fund a new piece of equipment in one of the two nearby play areas.

The panel heard this week that problems had arisen as the playgrounds had drainage issues and Oughterside and Allerby Parish Council was concerned about the introduction of new equipment in those conditions.

Councillors were asked to instead consider allowing the developer to provide a green space within the development for children to play on.

Councillor Mark Jenkinson raised concerns that creating a play area outside the parish council's control could leave future homeowners with the cost of maintaining it.

Kevin Kerrigan, head of development services, warned that the council could not leave the development dependent on the agreement and action of a third party.

Coun Adrian Davis-Johnston recommended that the play equipment funding should be provided by the developer and held by the council to allow the development to go ahead.

The money could then be used to provide new equipment if the drainage issue was resolved at one of the existing playgrounds.

If that was not done within five years of the first house being occupied, the money would be returned to the developer.

Councillors unanimously agreed.

Mr Lister will need to submit detailed plans for the site for approval before any work can be done.

Although an Allerdale councillor, a former development panel member and remains a substitute panel member, Mr Lister did not attend the meeting.

Coun Janet Farebrother, a family friend of Mr Lister, did not take part in the discussion and left the meeting while his plan was discussed.