Plans to create affordable homes in a Lake District village have been refused.

Following multiple letters of objection, including from Friends of the Lake District, an outline proposal to build five affordable homes at Beckstones, Thornthwaite has been thrown out by the Lake District National Park planning authority.

The 2,600 sq metre site, currently used as a garden and paddock, would have seen a change of use if the plans had gone ahead, with 12 new parking spaces created for the three-bedroom homes.

The buildings would have featured composite timber doors, heritage-style UPVC windows, slate, and render with stone detailing.

A total of eight letters of objection were received, with main concerns including the lack of safety surrounding the development's junction with the road, spoilt views of the fells, and lack of need for the homes.

One objector wrote: "Like most local people, I support affordable housing, particularly for young persons who live and work locally and commit to the community, but in an appropriate location, not four miles from the nearest town (Keswick) in an area that does not offer any local facilities barring an hourly bus service and a post box.

"Living in such a location requires, for a couple, two cars, increasing the living cost and the carbon footprint."

Another added: "[Residents] have requested a speed restriction because of speeding cars causing near accidents, but this has been turned down. The extra vehicles will add to the risk."

Four letters in support of the plans were also submitted to the planning authority, with all responses commenting on the need for affordable homes in the area.

One said: "The development would improve the ongoing lack of young families living in the area, which is due to no affordable housing, it affects local amenities for example nurseries (1.6 miles away), the local primary school (1.9 miles away) and local sports teams."

Despite the comments of support, the Lake District planning authority formally refused the plans on Thursday, stating the development would disrupt the beauty of the World Heritage Site plot.

For more details, visit the Lake District National Park website.