Seaton residents had a chance to have a first look at plans to build 80 houses in the village.
Story Homes wants to develop land off Seaton Road, at High Seaton, near the former Coachman Inn.
A public exhibition to show plans for the two, three, four and five bedroom properties was held by the firm on Thursday at the village hall.
Kate Workman, 69, of High Seaton, said: "I'm not against the idea of building more houses because I know there's a need for them, my problem is that the present plans involve draining surface water into Ling Beck, and part of it goes through my garden."
Mrs Workman showed pictures of her garden to representatives of Story Homes.
She said: "If they put any more water into the beck, it's going to be a real problem. The pictures I brought show the beck being full after ordinary rainfall, not even after the December floods. We had water into out workshop which was eight inches deep."
Michael Johnson, 45, of High Seaton, said: "I has some houses built behind me, which I suppose are more affordable than these, but I wasn't consulted on any of it. This is a better idea, nothing is set in stone yet but if it was a nice development I would think about going on it."
Around 50 people attended the exhibition.
Adam McNally, Story Homes planner, said: "The consultation event was an opportunity for residents from the local area to understand the proposals and come forward with comments to help shape plans for the development in Seaton.
"We had colleagues on hand to answer questions and queries on a range of subjects from drainage, engineering, highways, and planning.
"While we have received positive interest for our development, it was pleasing to note that many residents with concerns duly engaged and offered ways to improve our proposals.
"People can still submit feedback to us via our website until Friday February 12.
"Following this, all responses will be reviewed and where possible incorporated into our proposals."
Story Homes is hoping to apply to Allerdale council for planning permission in April and if the plans are approved, will start building the estate in October for the houses to be ready in June 2017.
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