PLANS to extend an Eden holiday park have sparked "fury" among nearby villagers who fear they will be "swamped" by the expanded tourist facility.

Around 50 residents of Ormside attended an emergency meeting in the village to discuss a planning application to extend the Wild Rose Holiday Park, near Appleby, which would more than double the size of the park from 40 to 84 acres.

There were also concerns about the loss of valuable areas of countryside and wildlife. She said it was feared an influx of visitors would require more car parking and access roads.

The company has been operating its holiday park at Ormside for more than 30 years and has 500 holiday homes and lodges on the site. Its owners now plan to use adjoining land on which to build another 100 holiday homes over a 15 to 20-year period.

Kimberley Stephenson, who is a member of the family which owns the park, said she was shocked by the reaction from local people.

She also said the development would create jobs and bring more visitors to the area, which would be good for the local economy.