Outline approval has been granted to build a new 20-home estate in Whitehaven.

The proposal, to build the houses behind Castle Lea, on Flatt Walks, met with approval at Copeland Borough Council’s recent planning panel.

Councillors agreed the development should go ahead subject to affordable housing being included and also several extra conditions surrounding access and drainage.

The new estate would include a mix of two and three bedroom properties, with an element of affordable housing.

The existing buildings on the site behind the Castle pub, look set to be demolished to make way for the homes, with one retained as a vehicle repair garage.

Work is also needed to upgrade the road at its junction with Flatt Walks to allow for two cars to pass towards the site, with pavements also to be added.

Two nearby property owners had said they welcomed housing on the site but also raised concerns regarding the addition of a no access zone outside The Castle pub.

They also queried how deliveries could be made to the pub and about emergency access and parking spaces. But after further consultation with the applicant, no further objections were raised.

Whitehaven town councillor Graham Roberts recently said he applauded the idea of bringing more homes into the town centre - as long as the access to the main road was improved.

“The scheme looks good providing the access is improved,” said coun Roberts. “We need good quality housing and affordable housing.

“As the regeneration of Whitehaven goes on it is a great idea to build more homes in the town centre.

“I think we have enough out of town developments ongoing at the moment so it is great to see some in the centre.”