A HOUSEBUILDER says it is investing £43.5m into Cumbria's economy as it plans to build 300 new homes in some of the county's most sought after towns and villages.

It recently had plans approved for 24 new homes at Burgh by Sands.

The substantial investment will allow the Penrith-based Genesis Homes to deliver a further five new sites across Cumbria, in turn helping to address the areas housing shortage and very much in line with their ambitious, yet sustainable, business strategy.

As well as the investment in these new housing schemes, the new developments could create 360 sub-contractor roles.

Three of the new sites have already been identified. They are Etterby in Carlisle, Hackthorpe and Rheda.

The gross development cost of each of the five schemes is said to be between £7 and £11.5m.

Nicky Gordon, managing director, said: " We are committed to working with local trades and suppliers to deliver these exciting new schemes. As developers we support innovation within the market and working with like-minded companies allows collaboration that can increase delivery, pace and quality and by using modern methods of construction we can build desirable homes with minimal disruption to existing communities.

"However, this is just the start.

"We need new sites, new trades people and new suppliers to work with us. The house building industry is a massive driver to Cumbria’s economy and makes a valued contribution to communities across the county. While delivering much-needed new homes, we are creating and sustaining jobs and our cumulative investment into the local economy to date is over £30m. If you’d like to part of our success and work with us, please get in touch.”

Genesis Homes appreciate that delivering housing developments can offer challenges, especially making sure priority is given to building communities as well as houses. Working in partnership with local councils, the house builder is ensuring that their sites bring certainty for local residents with regards to infrastructure, education and local amenities. Many of their schemes include ‘affordable’ homes that help local people to get a step onto the property ladder.

The investment announcement is a massive boost for Cumbria and the construction industry in general and highlights the positivity of the industry.

Genesis Homes confirms that they are experiencing good interest in existing sites, with their recently launched ‘Sanders Brow’ scheme at Armathwaite already more than a third sold.

Mr Gordon added: “We have a clear plan for the future of Genesis Homes and this is a really exciting time, not only for our business, but for communities where we are building, and sub-contractors/suppliers. Our business continues to go from strength to strength and I’m delighted to share our exciting plans for the future.”

Further announcements regarding other locations will be announced shortly.