Genesis eyes 2026 start for 157 Carlisle homes
Having already secured a motion to approve from the local authority in 2022, the housebuilder has updated its proposals to tackle nutrient neutrality issues and adjust house types.
Set to be delivered in five phases, Genesis Homes’ proposals centre on 23 acres off Cumwhinton Drive by the future St Cuthbert’s Garden Village. To be known as The Woodlands, the development was designed by AFL Architects.
Ultimately, it would contain 157 homes – of which 20% will be affordable, either through discounted market sale or affordable rent. The future residents would range from two-bed terraced houses to four-bed detached properties.
The homes will be built to have open-play layouts, with solar panels installed and EV chargers in place.
Part of the project includes the renovation and conversion of Cumberland House, a Victorian villa, into six apartments.
To tackle an increase in potential phosphorus pollution due to new housing, Genesis will be installing a package treatment plant that will utilise chemical dosing to treat wastewater. The nutrient neutrality strategy was devised by Enviren.
Nutrient neutrality has been a requirement for the Carlisle area since 2022, with future housing projects required to prove that will not increase the amount of phosphorus in the water system.
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John Blue, land director at Genesis Homes, referred to The Woodlands as a “landmark development” for the company.
“From affordable housing and improved green spaces to the refurbishment of Cumberland House, this concept represents our commitment to building for the future in a way that supports both people and place,” Blue said.
“We are excited by the potential of The Woodlands to play a key role in Carlisle’s growth story.”
If Genesis Homes can gain planning permission for The Woodlands, it hopes to begin work on site in 2026.
The project team for The Woodlands includes Westwood Landscape Design and Sam Greig Planning. To review the application, search reference 21/0623 on Cumberland Council’s planning portal.
