PLANS to install gates between a new housing development in Cockermouth and nearby streets have sparked outrage among town councillors.

There has been such a strong response to the plans, from both sides, that they will now go before the Allerdale council's development panel.

Washington Homes Ltd, which is building Woodville Park off Sullart Street, has applied to Allerdale council for permission to put in place two "metal gate/close boarded hoardings", one at the end of New Street and the other at the end of Derwent Street. 

Julie Laidlow, town mayor, told the town council: "I find it quite worrying that the they're even thinking about doing this, and having a north/ south divide.

"The fact that a child cannot walk through in safety to school is wrong.

"I'm glad all the councillors are in agreement that it should be refused."

For the past few months there have been locked metal gates in place.

New Street residents had been told these were there while building work was completed.

The original planning application for the site included the gateways having bollards and therefore two-way pedestrian access.

Councillor Eric Nicholson said: "There cannot be bollards there because of the gas mains. They need something that can be easily removed when necessary.

"But what they are proposing does not allow free access. 

"We do not need gated areas in Cockermouth. It's unneighbourly and unsightly and should be refused."

Coun Alan Tyson said: "Between the two gates is a children's playground which everyone should have access to.

"It also provides a safer and easier route for children walking to primary school.

"At one point there is a lower wall which people have been using as a short cut. Even old folks going to Aldi have been nipping over the wall."

Town councillors voted unanimously to recommend refusal of the plans.

Kevin Kerrigan, Allerdale's head of development services, said: "I am aware there is a significant level of interests in these applications and that local residents hold strong views both for and against this application. 

"I have therefore decided that it would not be appropriate for the planning applications to be determined under the delegated powers available to officers and I will be referring the applications to the development panel for consideration once officers have been able to reach a recommendation as to whether the applications should be approved or not."

He said it was likely to be considered in January.

No one was available to comment from Woodville Park Residents' Association.