By Julie Armstrong

Last updated 12:29, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

MORE than 700 homes are planned for Penrith.

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Mapped out: The Carleton Fields development proposals drawn up for Penrith

The Carleton Fields development, planned for less than a mile from the town centre, would feature 676 houses and 37 flats.

Developers Persimmon Homes and Cumbrian Homes say they want to create a rural look and feel, keeping hedgerows along field boundaries and providing a cycle shelter for every home. They say they have also taken into account the pre-1919 streets to the west and recent housing to the south.

Their ‘neighbourhood design’ incorporates community facilities to save car travel, including scope for a small shop, post office and creche.

Mark Cook, managing director for Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: “Penrith, which has a population of a little over 16,500, is seen as an area where the majority of new growth should be focused in the Eden region, with a pressing requirement for housing needs to be met.”

An area of 27.4 hectares could provide for 2,000 people. Half of the housing, which would mostly be two storey, would be classed as affordable homes.

Neighbours were notified about the Carleton Fields plans on April 17. People have until May 19 to comment to Eden District Council.

The council last month gave planning permission for a hotly-contested retail park 600m from Penrith town centre.

The 45,000sq ft development at Ullswater Road will feature five large retail units and two restaurant buildings. The proposal was submitted by property consultancy Knight Frank, on behalf of developers Terrace Hill and Davidson Junction 40.

The firms hope the park will help stem the exodus of shoppers leaving Penrith for Carlisle and Kendal.

Firms behind the Ullswater Road scheme say it will attract new businesses, create jobs and give consumers greater choice.

National retailers Pets at Home, Carpetright and furniture outfit Au Naturale have all expressed an interest in the site, it is claimed.

The park, near Penrith railway station, will also have 263 on site car parking spaces and improved pedestrian crossing facilities.

JArmstrong@cngroup.co.uk