A set of ‘up-market’ homes will be built near Carlisle after the council approved plans.

In total, seven new dwellings will be built on the site of a former builders yard and paddock at Brookside House, Thurstonfield within the next three years after Carlisle City Council gave the vision the green light.

The applicant William Barton described the development in more detail in planning documents which were submitted to the council previously.

Mr Barton stated: “The scale of the development is typical of an up-market housing scheme, with well spaced apart dwellings from where the topographical and environmental constraints have dictated the form.

“For example, the houses that sit with their backs to the main B5307 Thurstonfield to Carlisle road are designed to maximise open views to the frontages but the rear elevation has been designed with consideration for the road.

“All dwellings are sitting beyond the identified flood line. The houses are sitting at a level dictated by the flood zone but are also not raised above the existing ground levels.”

They added that the scheme will make efforts to ensure the new houses fit with the style of the surrounding neighbourhood.

He said: "The appearance of the proposed dwellings will echo the surrounding village style with a contemporary look, employing such features as steeply sloping roofs, projecting gables, generous full height feature bay windows."

The applicant also concluded that the plans would be represent a positive step for the site, outlining: “The development allows for the removal of the redundant builder’s yard and associated buildings and will enhance the entrance to the village of Thurstonfield whilst the natural feel of the existing site will be retained.”

A number of agencies were consulted to give their appraisals including Natural England who addressed any environmental concerns that may have emerged.

Natural England stated: “Based on the plans submitted, Natural England considers that the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes."