PLANS to create a housing development on the site of a former garage in Kirkby Lonsdale are a step closer to being approved.

Norman Jackson Contractors Ltd have submitted an amended scheme for the former Hartleys Garage, on New Road, after plans for a three-storey terrace of eight houses were refused in October.

The applicants, who have launched an appeal against South Lakeland District Council's decision, have amended their proposal to address concerns about the size and height of the building.

The revised plans are for seven units contained in two terraces, which reduces the impact of the new buildings on neighbouring properties.

SDLC's head of development control Peter Ridgway told councillors he thought the new scheme was an improvement on the previous plans, and recommended it was approved.

Ward councillor Barclay Stainton told the development control sub-committee that he would "reluctantly" go along with the scheme if certain alterations were made, including the removal of plans to cover the garages in turf, the provision that windows on the side of the building would be glazed and that at least one of the two proposed balconies were taken out of the plans.

The committee agreed that SLDC's director of amenities and development could approve the scheme subject to the outcome of negotiations about the balconies.