Cumberland signs off enterprise campus sheds, 65 homes
It was a clean sweep for planning approvals on Wednesday morning, with councillors voting to grant permission to all four major applications on their desk.
These included Story Homes’ proposals for the 65-home Hadrian’s Camp, situated within walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall, as well as the council’s own applications for 68,400 sq ft ISH Enterprise Campus blocks, a 239-space Carlisle Station car park, and the revamp of Cleator Moor Library into a community hub.
ISH Enterprise Campus sheds
- Application reference: 4/25/2411/0F1
Part of the wider £50m Cleator Moor Innovation Quarter, the two buildings would provide workspace for start-up companies in the nuclear and green energy ecosphere.
Together, the two sheds have an estimated build cost of £23.6m and would off 68,400 sq ft of space subdivided into smaller units of either 7,600 sq ft or 7,100 sq ft. There would be parking for 113 parking bays provided as part of the proposals, as well as a separate 4.5-acre BNG off-setting area.
Cumberland Council Leader Cllr Mark Fryer said the result of the planning committee meeting was “great news for Cleator Moor and the wider Cumberland economy”.
He continued: “We want our area to grow and to thrive. Developments of this type support the foundation for future investment.”
Gary McKeating, managing director of ISH, added: “This is an important milestone, and we’re pleased to see the development progressing through to fruition. The iSH Enterprise Campus is a place where industrial innovation, ambition and community regeneration will come together.”
The project team includes NORR Architecture, Avison Young, Curtins, Solmek, BGP, Tetra Tech, OFR Consultants, Miller Goodall, and One Environments. Morgan Sindall is the main contractor.
- BOOK NOW: Cumberia Development Update on 18 June
Cleator Moor Library
- Application reference: 4/23/2253/0L1 and 4/23/2275/0F1
Transforming the library into a 10,800 sq ft community hub is part of the £22.5m Cleator Town Deal from government programme. The project will see the library and former Credit Union building linked together by a café annexe. The existing buildings will be modified to increase accessibility, bolster sustainability credentials, and provide exhibition and arts spaces.
Work is due to begin later this spring, with an eye to complete in summer 2027.
Regarding the project, Cleator Moor Town Deal Board chair Bob Metcalfe said: “The hub will look to provide a range of new facilities such as exhibition and arts space and services for youth provision, as well as providing high-quality office space in the heart of the town centre.”
The project team includes Day Cummins and A L Daines & Partners.
The scheme would effectively extend Story’s 99-home Eden Gate site. Credit: via planning documents#
Hadrian’s Camp
- Application reference: 25/0521
Story Homes was victorious in its application to build a mix of 65 semi-detached and detached houses on a more than five-acre site off Gladwin Drive by Houghton. The homes will offer between two and four bedrooms.
Of the 65, 13 will be available for either affordable rent or 30% discounted market sale.
The project team includes Ashwood Design Associates, Sam Greig Planning, Curtins, Westwood Landscape Design, Wardell Armstrong, RS Acoustic Engineering, and Urban Green on the application.
Carlisle Station car park
- Application reference: 25/0701
Part of the £40m Southern Gateway project, this application was for reserved matters approval for a 239-bay car park with space for motorcycles and bicycles at Carlisle’s town centre rail station. It would be accessed from Water Street and also include a dedicated taxi rank and pick up and drop off area.
The project team includes BDP and Eric Wright Engineering.
