Planning permission has been granted to build 40 new homes for affordable rent in Carlisle – providing much-needed new social housing in the town.

The £4.8 million development in Beverley Rise, Harraby, will offer residents two and three bedroomed semi-detached homes with gardens and off-street parking.

All of the 40 new builds are for affordable rent, as there is a high demand for social housing in the area.

A £1.2 million grant has been secured from the Home and Communities Agency – now known as Homes England – and the planning application was unanimously passed by Carlisle City Council’s planning committee on January 5.

Work is due to start in March and the development is expected to be finished by spring next year.

Sarah Paton, Riverside’s Director for the North Region, said: “We are delighted that the planning application has been approved by the planning committee with huge support for the development. Throughout the planning process we worked with Carlisle City Council to ensure that the housing needs for the area were met.

“There is a high demand for affordable homes for rent so this development will help with the social housing shortage in the area. Beverley Rise will provide 40 properties for affordable rent.

“We aim to start work on site by March and construction to be completed by spring next year. We will work closely with residents and the community along the way should any issues arise, and our appointed developers will sign up to the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

“In addition there will be training places for construction apprentices at Carlisle City College. This will enable them to gain valuable work experience in an industry where there is a skills shortage.”