A new retail park containing six stores and a drive-through restaurant is poised to be built on the edge of Carlisle, creating 100 jobs.

The multi-million pound scheme at Kingstown would be home to "bulky goods" shops selling items such as furniture, with council chiefs heralding it as having a significant long-term positive impact.

It would be located near Bristol Street Motors, close to Junction 44 of the M6.

Mark Walshe, property services manager with Carlisle City Council, said: "A retail warehouse is somewhere that you would drive to, rather than walk to.

"You would probably need a car to pick up the items that you buy there.

"So when we say bulky goods you're looking at things like furniture.

"It will bring new names to Carlisle that we haven't got at the moment.

"The retailers that will be based there would not be the sort of commercial operation you would see in the city centre.

"This retail park is not competition for the city centre. We don't want any conflict."

Mr Walshe said the 40,500sq ft warehouse would accommodate six stores and have parking for about 170 cars.

He said: "We have an operator in mind for the proposed drive-through but we can't say who that is just yet."

The council is currently getting the views of businesses on the Kingstown and Parkhouse Industrial Estates to see what they think of the scheme.

Prior to submitting a planning application, the council is canvassing opinions.

The proposals would create 100 jobs and 30 temporary construction jobs. It would be complete by December 2019.

The council is working with its development partner Chancerygate on the new scheme.

Mr Walshe said the consultation would take a few weeks.

Colin Glover, city council leader, said: "This development has the potential to be an important asset for the council which will generate significant long-term income for Carlisle and provide new employment opportunities.

"It is a major investment and we appreciate consultation feedback before taking the next steps."

Mike Walker, Chancerygate development director, said: "This scheme would complement the existing retail offer and would not compete with the city centre, as it would target bulky goods retailers.

"While we are not yet at the planning stage, we are very encouraged by the level of occupier interest that there already is in the scheme."

The Kingstown and Parkhouse estates cover more than 200 acres and are home to more than 140 international and national businesses that employ over 2,000 people.

The consultation will be undertaken by Savills, the planning consultants for the scheme.

The redevelopment proposals are subject to council and planning approval.