A man claims he is terrified his house will fall and kill someone if controversial plans for a 31-home estate goes ahead.

The proposal to build on Marsh Terrace in Ellenborough, Maryport has already attracted 40 submissions from neighbours and has been objected to by the Maryport Town Council.

Resident Craig Thompson said the proposal to deal with traffic issues arising from the development would include digging up and realigning the road outside his home.

“My house is more than 100 years old. I have already had to fix the gable once. If machinery is being used to dig up the road I am really worried it could bring the house down – and if anyone is killed I am told I would be responsible.”

He said the road was being built in an area which had already suffered subsidence which had been partially responsible for the need to demolish Moor House.

Another concern would be the loss of allotment which have been in use for over 50 years.

At the centre of the development is Moor House would be demolished and the proposed estate would take in the allotments which have been used at no cost by local residents.

The original owner of Moor House had allowed the allotments on his ground.

When a Mr Jackie Irving inherited the house and land he offered some of the allotments for sale.

Brian Thompson, now in his 70s, recollected that Mr Irving had offered some of the allotments for sale.

“Some took him up on that offer but I don’t know how many. I know my mother bought a piece of land. That was in the 1950s, so by now the allotment holders must have right of use.”

Most recently the property was owned by John Hunter, publican of the adjacent Crown Inn. Mr Hunter continued to allow the allotments to be used up until his death about two years ago.

to get in touch with the landowner to see if they could be brought back into use.”

Craig Thompson said traffic and parking was also a concern.

A resident, who would not be named, commented: “I have had engineering experience and all I am saying is this area is called Marsh Terrace for a reason.”

Maryport Town Council has objected to the proposal. Ellenborough councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes called the plan in to ensure it would be properly debated and town chairman Peter Kendall said this week that he would be supporting Mr Thompson at the Allerdale Development Panel meeting on Tuesday.