A £300 million project to install a new water supply pipeline connecting Thirlmere to West Cumbria is set to get the go-ahead next week.

United Utilities wants to lay 100km of pipework to secure the area's future water supply in a project that could create up to 400 jobs.

Allerdale council's development panel will meet on Tuesday to consider the section of the project in its area.

In the borough the project would include a new water treatment works near Hag Wood, Williamsgate, Bridekirk, a pipeline from there to Quarry Hill and a new service reservoir at Moota Hill.

A new pipeline would connect Williamsgate to Harrot Hill, Cockermouth, where there would be a new pumping station, then a pipeline to Ullock.

Existing mains from Cockermouth to Stainburn to be upgraded.

Papcastle Parish Council is concerned about the location of some of the work to the river, which it felt could put land at risk during a flood.

Blindcrake Parish Council is concerned about damage to ancient ridge and furrow systems.

Cockermouth Town Council has backed the scheme, while Workington Town Council has no objections.

Planning officers have recommended approval, subject to a legal agreement to replace trees and hedgerows.

They said such a major project in a rural area would have some adverse impacts on the landscape but the proposal had been development to minimise them.

The Lake District National Park Authority's planning committee yesterday approved the parts of the project within it's area.

Copeland council previously approved the work in its area.

United Utilities is seeking an alternative route after having its licence to draw water from Ennerdale Water revoked to protect rare mussels. Permission to draw from Crummock Water, Chapel House and Overwater is also due to come to an end.