A 'MUCH-NEEDED' housing development of 124 new homes has been proposed for Maryport - with the developers hoping to secure planning permission at the site later this year.

Gleeson Homes have announced a planning application which has been submitted to the council for the development at Ewanrigg Hall.

The housing developer say the plans are 'much needed' in the town, with Gleeson hoping to secure the planning permission from Cumberland Council in late 2024.

The proposed scheme will consist of a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes and bungalows that Gleeson say 'will complement the existing character of the area'.

The site has extant planning permission already, but Gleeson says it has been holding 'detailed discussions' with the planning department at Cumberland Council on 'how best to bring this site forward' and deliver new build homes to Maryport.

Gleeson say the development will provide help for local people to get on the housing ladder, good value family homes, as well as properties that will be attractive to downsizers and those looking to move 'to this beautiful part of the world'.

A spokesman from Gleeson Homes said: "We’re looking forward to bringing this much-needed scheme to Maryport, which represents an investment of circa £15million for the local town and economy.

"The proposed development will include a mixture of affordable homes, bungalows, semi-detached and detached properties, offering a fantastic choice of highly affordable and sustainable homes to the locality, suitable for a wide buying demographic.

"We’re hoping to secure planning permission later this year."

As well as the new homes, the company believe the scheme will deliver a number of added benefits for Maryport, which include: a £15million investment into Maryport and the surrounding area, 13 affordable homes, the employment of around 400 people during the lifetime of the build, the creation of public open space, and support of the renovation of Ewanrigg Hall.

Gleeson have said that every home will have air source heat pumps and no gas is required to heat the new homes. They added that they estimate the site will gather £146,000 in council tax revenue.