Affordable new homes could be built on 20 hectares of land in Whitehaven, it has been revealed.

Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, has acquired the land at Harras Moor.

Planners say the site has the potential to make a "major contribution" to meeting housing need in the borough.

It is not yet know how many homes are being proposed for the site, which looks set to be a mix of housing, including affordable housing, and a high proportion of larger family homes.

People are being invited to a public consultation event at Whitehaven Golf Club on Thursday, March 15, between 3pm and 7pm.

Following the consultation, a planning application is due to be submitted to Copeland Council this spring.

A spokesperson for planning and design consultancy WYG, said: "Plans of the proposal will be on display and members of our project team will be available to answer any questions."

WYG has been appointed by Homes England to progress an outline planning application, including an indicative masterplan.

The land was previously owned by Cumbria County Council and Copeland Borough Council.

Vehicle access will be from both Harras Road and Caldbeck Road, with a pedestrian link to Loop Road South. The proposals will also include retained woodland, new ecology areas, public open space and sustainable drainage.

This is the second housing development near Harras Moor to be proposed in recent months.

Outline plans were submitted to Copeland Council in November to build up to 50 houses on land to the south of Elizabeth Crescent.

Residents voiced their concerns over the development, which included the impact on road surfaces, worries over the need for additional school places and the impact of construction traffic.