Last updated at 16:08, Sunday, 26 August 2012

RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on plans to build new housing in a South Copeland village.

HOUSE PLAN: An artist’s impression of a planned housing development at Church Lane, Bootle

Plans for 14 new homes in Church Lane, Bootle, will go on public display for the first time at a consultation event next month.

Impact Housing, who secured capital funding for the project last year, is hosting the consultation event at Captain Shaw’s hall, in Bootle, on September 10, from 4pm.

The intention is that the homes will all be let to local families on affordable rents.

As well as the plans being made available for viewing, there will be a formal presentation by the housing group, followed by any questions from the public.

Feedback questionnaires will also be available at the event.

Previously, Mike Muir, Impact Housing’s chief executive, told the Evening Mail the new homes would allow local families to remain in the community.

He said: “This is the first social housing to be built in Bootle for many years.

“We’re really pleased to be building these new rented houses to help local families stay in their local community.

“Even with the recent slight reduction in house prices in West Cumbria, home ownership is going to continue to be out of reach for most local families on average incomes for the foreseeable future.”

Construction is expected to start on a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes in 2013.

The total cost is put at £1.9 million, of which £383,000 will be grant-funded through the Homes and Communities Agency.

Impact Housing says the houses will all be built to very high insulation levels and are designed to keep running costs as low as possible for residents.

Formal plans for the homes have not yet been submitted to Copeland Borough Council’s planning panel.

First published at 13:14, Sunday, 26 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk