A MASSIVE 725-home new development could be built in Carlisle.

The site of the development is planned for the southern edge of Morton. In total, the estate will consist of 199 two bedroom dwellings, 352 three bedroom dwellings and 174 four bedroom dwellings.

One city councillor welcomed the plans as a sign of the city's recovery from Covid, but another has raised concern over a continued lack of one-bedroom and affordable homes in Carlisle.

Outline planning permission for a development on the site was approved in November 2010 and work has already commenced on site in the form of infrastructure and 100 homes.

A spokesman for developers Persimmon Homes said: “Our proposals for Morton South will deliver 725 new homes – of which 30 per cent would be affordable – along with an investment of more than £4m in local infrastructure and facilities.”

Councillor Paul Nedved sits on the city’s planning committee and welcomed the signs of increased investment in the region, especially following the “uncertainty of Covid”.

He said: “We are seeing a real upsurge in planning applications and the city does seem to be on the rebound after the impacts of Covid-19.

“There’s an unprecedented level of interest in the city from developers and seeing the scale of developments around the city, as well as investors showing increased confidence in the region bodes extremely well.”

Fellow city councillor Rob Betton did, however, raise concerns about the lack of one bedroom homes in plans, something he feels is still an unsolved problem for the area.

He said: “I’ve said it at every meeting: it was a sad day when all of the city’s housing stock was handed over from the council.

“From then on it just appears that providing social housing hasn’t been made a priority.

“We have a situation now, where houses are being built but a lot of these homes are out of financial reach for those who would like to get on the property ladder."

He added: “My main concern is that there is a lack of one bedroom homes being built as part of the development. People need that.

“We’re really missing proper social housing in the area still. It’s a shame that we still can’t offer enough single people that option.”

The residential proposals are also accompanied by significant areas of public open space, landscaping and sports facilities including allotments; pitch facilities and youth shelters; an informal ‘kick about’ area; and parking for allotments and playing pitches.

The Persimmon Homes spokesman added: “The long-term sustainability of this new neighbourhood has been a key focus, with the plans including significant public open space.

“The local primary school will benefit from financial contributions of £3.2m, more than £500,000 will be paid towards a new bus service, £130,000 for new and upgraded footpaths and £213,000 to encourage and support active and public transport use.

“In addition, a development of this scale has the potential to create more than 2,000 jobs – both those directly employed in the construction of the site, and indirectly through the supply chain and increased spending within the local community.

“We hope to secure reserved matters planning approval later this year and start work on site early in 2022.”