PLANS have been proposed to bring 163 homes to the outskirts of Carlisle, with hopes of delivering the project in the next two years. 

An application submitted by Gleeson Homes is earmarked for Houghton, on 7.9 hectares of agricultural land off Brunstock Lane. 

The development, put forward to Cumberland Council on May 12, will comprise a mix of 2,3 and 4-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes, alongside 16 bungalows - including social and affordable housing. 

The developer has said the build would help create and sustain jobs in the industry and the wider community, as well as offer a great opportunity for first-time buyers. 

Gleeson looks to offer financial support packages to help young people get on the property ladder. 

Previous data suggests the average age of a Gleeson purchaser was 31 years old.

An economic report provided by Gleeson states that the build will deliver around £283,000 additional council tax per annum, as well a one-off new homes bonus payment of £239,000. 

£13,855,000 is estimated to be spent on labour, goods and services in constructing the build. 

A spokesperson from Gleeson said: "We’re really excited to be bringing forward our plans to deliver much-needed new homes within the north Carlisle area. Houghton is an excellent location with great links to the city centre and the M6 and we expect there to be a huge demand for our homes.

"All homes will be energy efficient and have the latest technology air source heat pumps to ensure carbon emissions are kept to a minimum and our customers’ energy bills are kept to a minimum.

"This development represents an approximate £13m investment in the local economy creating circa 170 jobs directly with hundreds more jobs will be created in the supply chain.

"The benefits are not just economical though and the site is designed to increase the biodiversity of the existing land by having generous areas of public open space that will provide footpath links, wildflower meadows and ponds.

"We are well aware there is a need for more school places locally too and this development will unlock hundreds of thousands of pounds to increase the number of school places available locally.

"We hope to be on site and deliver new homes in the next two years," they said. 

Gleeson's Community Matters Programme offers priority employment to those living within two miles of each site ensuring 'that the benefit of jobs and spend go to benefit the local community'. 

The plans aim to help fulfill Carlisle's growth agenda. 

It comes at a time when the delivery of housing in Carlisle grows at an exponential rate, particularly with the major 10,000 home housing development, St Cuthbert’s Garden Village.