A NEW development of 114 houses could be built in Egremont if plans are given approval by Copeland council.

The full application, submitted by Gleeson, is for two sites, one at the former Orgill Infants School and the other at Howbank Farm. There would be a combination of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, with 11 properties earmarked for affordable housing.

Deputy chairman of Egremont town council and Copeland borough councillor Sam Pollen said: “I am in favour of the development, I think it is needed. I think it will benefit the community. It’s in a location where other work is going on to benefit the community, a £12million flood defence scheme, that will in itself bring improvement to the town.

“Like most people in the area I would welcome the development. There is a need for new houses. We have got the opportunities for funding in the town and we are optimistic for the future and that is why Gleeson and others are looking to the area to build.”

A spokesman for Gleeson said: “Gleeson has recently submitted a planning application to deliver a much-needed development of 114 high-quality low-cost homes across two developments in Egremont.

"These beautiful new homes will provide local people, with a place to call home and an investment for their future. Four out of five Gleeson customers are first time buyers, many under the age of 30 and typically two thirds are key workers.

"The proposed new developments will transform the former Orgill Infants School site which has been derelict since the school was demolished. Many of the proposed new homes will have stunning views that overlook Egremont, West Lakes Academy and right across to the Lake District.

“The development is designed to support the excellent work the Environment Agency is doing in implementing the Flood Alleviation Scheme and our design has been put together in close liaison with Cumbria County Council and the Environment Agency.

"This scheme could bring a direct investment of £10m into the town and create employment opportunities for local people and subcontractors.

"With some of the best schools in the country, demand for homes is high in this area. This would be our second development in the town after Florence Drive where we have started on site and opened a sales office on Egremont Main Street.

“For more information about the homes that we build and ways in which we help our local communities visit gleesonhomes.co.uk”