Talks to develop a so-called "garden village" - building up to 10,000 new homes - are progressing well.

That's the view of Carlisle City Council leader Colin Glover as politicians prepare to hear an update on the ambitious vision.

The 30-year project - centred on the southern side of the city - is one of 14 such schemes being backed by the Government nationally.

Members of the city council's environment and economy overview and scrutiny panel will be briefed on its progress when they meet on Thursday.

A report states that there will be four main strands to the work programme to deliver the development, which is to be known as St Cuthbert’s.

It includes plans for up to 10,000 new homes. New schools and roads will also be built while it is expected that businesses will also set up base.

The council says the potential for a road linking junction 42 of the M6 with the southern end of the A689 ring road will be an integral part of the scheme.

Council leader Colin Glover said: “We’re in discussions with the Government about the details of the project will be. They have given their support and so the next steps are to find out more information about funding.

“We need detailed information in order to start the masterplan process.”

The report to councillors states: “Work is currently underway completing the evidence base needed to advance concept planning and therefore the early stages of masterplanning.

“Gaps were identified in our knowledge of future economic growth sectors and of the detailed landscape and townscape of the area.

“As such, two studies are nearing completion and once received will enable the identification of key sectors which present opportunities for investment and growth and will also aid the identification of broad development parcels.”

Carlisle City Council has already received £214,285 of funding towards the project, while a further £14,285 will also be handed over from the Government.

Economic leaders, including Carlisle MP John Stevenson, have long said that growing the city's population is key to securing improved services and investment.