TORRISHOLME residents are up in arms at plans to develop eighteen houses on the site of a former garage.

Carnforth builders Norman Jackson have submitted plans for 18 houses with garages and associated parking at the former Rydal Filling Station on Michaelson Avenue.

But residents say the development is far too dense, has three storey properties that are out of keeping with the neighbourhood and does not have enough parking space.

A total of 19 letters of objection have been received from local residents and they have called on MP Geraldine Smith to help them fight the development.

The neighbours claim they are not against development, the current site is an eyesore, but feel this particular plan is far too intensive.

One resident, Alison Bancroft, told The Citizen: "My immediate reaction was one of amazement that as many as 18 houses are proposed.

"Whilst I heartily believe the site should become residential I also believe that 18 three-bedroom homes are too many. I suggest a few should be sacrificed to make space for a communal car parking area for residents and visitors. The plans do not provide for adequate residents' parking, making on-street parking the only alternative."

Another resident, Mr Steve Williams, has made a detailed objection to the council and said: "The site as proposed is ridiculously overdeveloped. It would result in increased traffic problems in an already heavily congested area and the three-storey dwelling units are unacceptable in the prominent position overlooking the main road and village centre."

Council planning officers have recommended that the plans be accepted and, in a report to members, said that it would not result in the loss of green space, would not have a significant impact on nearby residents and met the council's parking and access requirements.

The matter will be discussed at a planning meeting at Morecambe Town Hall on Monday, October 16, at 2pm.