Last updated at 17:27, Saturday, 17 January 2015
A building boom is accelerating with work poised to start on hundreds of new homes.
Planning permission has been given for nearly 170 homes in a string of schemes in and around Carlisle.
They’ve been given the go-ahead as debate continues over 190 more in another proposed development.
Supporters hope the schemes will ease the city’s affordable housing woes as well as injecting further confidence in the economy. A growing population is frequently flagged as a key factor in Carlisle’s financial future.
Four developments were approved by city councillors yesterday. They were:
- Ninety-nine homes at Hardrian’s Camp, Houghton, by Story Homes.
- Eighteen homes near the Border Terrier pub in Morton, by housing association Riverside.
- Twenty-nine detached homes near Suttle House, Wigton Road, by Esh Developments.
- Twenty-two homes at Thorn Edge, Station Road, Cumwhinton, by Magnus Homes,
Story’s scheme will include 25 affordable homes and will be made up of houses with two to five bedrooms. The developer will also pay around £205,000 to Cumbria County Council to fund extra space at Houghton Church of England Primary School.
Speaking after approval, Adam McNally, the company’s development planner said: “We are delighted with the council’s decision. We are proposing a wide mix of dwellings including new house types.
“The scheme is to include 25 affordable units for local people in need. As well as paying circa £200,000 to increase school place provision at Houghton Primary, we shall also pay £65,000 to Cumbria Wildlife Trust as part of new ecological improvements. We shall also revisit the potential with Carlisle City Council for better play area provision.”
Story is also pursuing separate plans for 190 homes at Greymoorhill which have been the subject of talks with residents this week.
The development at Morton – made up of two, three and four-bedroom so-called affordable homes – had run into opposition, led by Scott Moffat, who lives on Ellesmere Way, near to where the homes would be built. The land proposed is currently green space and Mr Moffat organised a campaign against the development, drumming up a 200-signature petition.
He told councillors: “Developments and houses have to be built but why on a green field which is used by everybody?”
Upperby Councillor Ann Warwick added: “We do need more rented accommodation in the city.”
David Robinson, Riverside’s project supervisor said: “Riverside is committed to providing affordable new homes for rent in Carlisle. We are pleased that planning decision will allow us to build 18 new homes in the popular residential area of Morton, behind the former Border Terrier Pub.
“We will be working with the planners to address any concerns around parking on the development and meet the conditions that have been applied.”
The total cost will be more than £2m. Just over £400,000 has come from the Government. The rest from Riverside.
Esh will build the Riverside houses and will also construct its own homes at Wigton Road. This project will feature four-bedroom detached houses, designed to “complement Suttle House”, a listed building.
At Cumwhinton, the homes will be a mixture of three and four-bedroom houses – three of them bungalows.
Frank Lowe, director of Carlisle-based Magnus Homes, said: “These thermally efficient homes are built to a high quality finish throughout and customers will be offered a choice of designer kitchens and bathroom finishes. Our flexible approach to development also allows customers the opportunity to discuss personal touches.”
A string of other major housing developments are also underway in and around the city.
First published at 17:25, Saturday, 17 January 2015
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk