The demand for increased housing for locals is Keswick prompted a mixed response to plans to develop a former print works.

Thomas Quinn wants permission from the Lake District National Park Authority to turn the site at Bakers Yard, St John's Street, into two one-bedroom homes for local people and one holiday let suitable for disabled people.

Town councillors considering the plan welcomed the planned housing but opinions were mixed on whether the third unit should also be for local housing.

Councillor Paul Titley said allowing the plan would help the town's need for housing while retaining a commercial element at the site.

Coun Susan Leighton said Keswick had very few disability-friendly holiday lets and the development was needed.

Coun Duncan Miller said: "I worry if we don't approve this the site won't be developed.

"It's an ugly building. It's dying a death.

"We'll get two local occupancy dwellings."

But Coun Andrew Lysser said: "I'm not prepared to go against my principles. Here's a perfect opportunity to get a starter home for a young couple or a single person.

"We have a principle as a town council of supporting local occupancy housing. I think we should stick to it.

"We are looking towards the future and we are looking towards our young being able to stay at home."

Coun Adam Paxon added: "We have to arrest the increase in the number of self-catering properties in this town. If we are unsuccessful in achieving that this town will die.

"If we allow even one at a time we move from 20 per cent to 25 to 30 to 35. At what point does the town die?

"I can't support any additional houses that aren't local occupancy."

A vote to support the plan was carried with six councillors in favour.

The Lake District National Park Authority will have the final say on the plans.