An appeal has been made to the Secretary of State after plans to demolish a redundant factory in Carlisle were refused.

Citadel Estates Ltd wanted to demolish the former Kangol and KSS factory, off Constable Street, Denton Home, and replace it with 50 terraced houses.

But Carlisle city councillors refused the application earlier this year because of the risk of flooding.

Now Citadel Estates has appealed and the matter will be dealt with by the Secretary of State.

Part of the site has already been turned into student accommodation.

The Cumbrian firm wanted to replace the factory with 50 two-bedroom terraced houses and 62 car parking spaces.

But the application was unanimously refused by members of Carlisle City Council's development control committee earlier this year despite a request from the applicant to defer consideration. The officer's report said recent guidance from the Environment Agency indicated that the site will be subject to increasing flood risk owing to climate change.

The metal-clad factory building has stood empty for nearly two years.

Information provided by the Environment Agency confirmed that while the site did not flood in December last year, part of the site now falls within flood zone three, meaning there is a high probability of flooding.

The report stated: "The proposal represents an unacceptable form of development having regard to its flood zone location and the reasonable availability of other sites for development."

It concluded: "The site is subject to increasing flood risk owing to climate change."

The Environment Agency said a flood risk assessment, which is dated October 2014, needs updating as it does not take into account the December 2015 flood events.

Anyone wishing to make comments about the matter should contact The Planning Inspectorate, Riim 3/10b, Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN before November 22 quoting APP/E0915/W/16/3158612