Crindledyke eco-homes development submitted for approval

Carlisle-based Story Construction has submitted plans for its proposed 72 acre eco-village scheme in Crindledyke.

The proposed project will consist of between 850 and 950 homes located between Kingmoor Park and the West Coast Main Line railway.

If given the go-ahead, the scheme would be Storey Construction's biggest project to date and could take 15 years to build, with work starting next summer.

Plans also include open spaces such as a village green, allotment plots and sports pitches, with the homes being a mix of terraced, detached and semi-detached houses, bungalows and apartments.

Within the proposals submitted to Cumbria County Council, a total of 171 homes would be earmarked as "affordable", 86 for sale to locals at a discounted price and 85 for rent.

The scheme has been opposed by the Kingmoor and Rockcliffe Action Group and could still be subject to an inquiry.

Kingmoor and Rockcliffe Action Group argue that the land was not earmarked for development in the Carlisle District Local Plan 2001-16, which is the planning blueprint for what can be built where.

However, Story argued that the site should be included but inspector Patrick Whitehead ruled against the company after a planning inquiry in 2007, when plans were first being discussed.

A public consultation has taken place within the past year and, while residents claim they are being ignored, Story said their views on issues such as traffic and education have been listened to.

Cumbria County Council has commissioned a report into building a new primary school to cater for children there.

The council will review the plans in the autumn.