The expansion of the Lake District National Park into Furness and the Cartmel peninsulas must only go ahead with the “proper consent” of local residents, an MP has warned.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, Tim Farron said the proposals put forward by Friends of the Lake District to extend the national park boundaries needed the backing of communities who could be left to tackle issues such as rising house prices.

Friends of the Lake District has submitted a request to Natural England to extend the southern boundary of the national park to include the area between Silecroft and Grange and the Furness and Cartmel peninsulas – stopping at the north of Ulverston

It would increase the size of the national park by around 155 square kilometres, or six per cent.

Residents in Ulverston, Broughton, Lowick, Grange and Millom are due to consulted with on the plans at a number of events over the summer. And Mr Farron said he was eager to ensure they were given every opportunity to have their say on a move which he feels could have a significant impact.

“These plans would see the biggest increase in population of the Lake District since the national park was founded back in 1951,” he said.

“Being in the national park brings some benefits but it means giving away democratic control of planning, housing and environmental matters to an unelected body.

“It would also very likely see an increase in house prices that could make life even harder for local families already struggling to get on the housing ladder.

“So, it would be wrong to go any further with this proposal without proper consultation of people in the Cartmel Peninsula.”

David Savage, chairman of the Southern Boundary Partnership has said that extending the park would not only help protect the area’s natural environment but help boost the local economy and enhance the quality of life for its communities.

The final decision on any extension will rest with Natural England and the Government's environment secretary but is estimated to take a considerable length of time.

The Southern Boundary Partnership will hold the series of "Community Conversation" events this summer allowing residents to view and discuss the plans submitted.