A plan to create a unique housing and economic development scheme in Cumbria has received a £745,000 funding boost from the government.

The funding for St Cuthbert’s Garden Village in Carlisle will support the delivery of new garden communities in the south of the city.

Carlisle City Councillor and portfolio holder for Economy, Enterprise and Housing, Paul Nedved, said: “St Cuthbert’s forms a key part of the wider growth strategy for Carlisle and the Borderland region. We want to ensure that Carlisle grows in a way that creates quality homes and is properly planned across the coming decades.

“We’re delighted with the Government funding announcement. This is a further funding boost for Carlisle and is in addition to the multi-million pounds investment already received through the Town Deal, Future High Street and the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

“St Cuthbert’s Garden Village has received government support in the past and we have made great strides in developing a clear vision, set of principles and masterplan to define the high quality, sustainable new communities that will enhance Carlisle’s environment and economy.”

St Cuthbert’s secured Garden Village status in January 2017 and is the largest of the Garden Villages in the north.   It is hoped that the £745,000 funding, delivered through the New Development Corporation Competition, will be used to create a business case for a delivery mechanism that can be used as a template for others to follow.

Town planning consultancy, Hyas, put together the bid for the funding.  Hyas director, Stephen Hill said: "St Cuthbert’s requires strong public/private leadership and partnership working over the long term and we have been exploring options for an appropriate delivery mechanism to help achieve this.

"Our bid set out a clear, costed programme of how we can deliver this business case over the next two to three years and with Government support, we can start work on the next exciting chapter for St Cuthbert’s, Carlisle and the Borderlands.”