A major housing scheme could see almost 200 homes built near Whitehaven.

Plans for 194 new houses on land between the Summergrove estate and Westlakes Science Park have been revealed.

Reiver Homes, a division of Story Contracting, wants to create the "attractive", "high-quality" estate on two fields to the south west of Summergrove.

The Carlisle-based developer has lodged an outline planning application with Copeland Council.

They say the 8.35 hectare site will provide a "landmark development opportunity", to showcase their new house type range.

The proposed development would include a mix of two-to-five bedroom properties, with some affordable housing.

Access to the estate would be from Dalzell Street, south of Galemire Veterinary Hospital, with a second access point from the Summergrove estate.

Properties would be allocated between two and three parking spaces.

A village green could be created in the centre of the development, with the possibility of incorporating a children’s play area.

The former quarry, which forms part of the site and cannot be built on, would be transformed into an ecological park with walking routes within it.

There would also be improved cycle and pedestrian links. Green edges would be retained to create buffer zones to neighbouring developments.