A row has broken out over whether Cockermouth needs a masterplan to stop overdevelopment of the town.

Members of Cockermouth and District Civic Trust and some residents claim it is desperately needed and disagree with the town council's decision to scrap the creation of a neighbourhood development plan.

The civic trust wants to hear from other groups or residents interested in developing a blueprint to be used alongside the local plan.

Trust chairman Phil Campbell said: "If we want to be more proactive as a town and have more say in future developments then we need a neighbourhood plan."

At a meeting last month, town councillors clashed over whether a plan was needed, with some claiming it was unnecessary and a waste of time and money. 

They voted six to four against developing a plan, with one abstention. 

Mr Campbell added: "We are extremely disappointed that the town council decided not to proceed. 

"Having such a plan in place would enable the community to have a say on how our town develops in the future. 

"It would help determine where future housing developments are and avoid Strawberry How type controversies. 

"It could help avoid inappropriate out-of-town retail developments that might prejudice our town centre and its independent shops."

A group of Cockermouth residents who contacted the Times & Star said: "It is our opinion that the present planning system is biased in favour of developers and a neighbourhood plan is the only way that local people can have a say in how their town develops in the future."

They said a plan could be initiated by a local group. 

"If the Planning Inspectorate can be convinced of its value, Allerdale and Cockermouth would be obliged to accept such a plan," they added.

At last month's town council meeting, Councillor Eric Nicholson proposed they did not proceed with the plan as he was concerned about the timescales, work involved and cost.

He said: "I know we have had a bit of a free-for-all recently with local developments but I believe Allerdale have made changes and I have much more trust now in their planning regimes."

This week, town and borough councillor Alan Smith said: "I was gobsmacked when the town council turned down the offer of doing a neighbourhood development plan. 

"If there had been a referendum I think there would have been wholehearted support for it.

"Myself and the town's other two Allerdale ward councillors, my wife Christine and Len Davies, are totally behind a plan and would offer help and advice to anyone wanting to create one." 

Mr Campbell can be contacted on 01900 823485.