HOUSE builders are being asked to submit closed bids for a key piece of development land on Walney as Barrow Borough Council looks to sell the site and have homes built within just a few months.

The council has published a briefing aimed at property developers relating to two pieces of land off Solway Drive on Walney on either side of West Point House which offers rental accommodation for contractors.

The council's briefing about the sites reveals an envisaged flat-based extra care scheme, such as a form of sheltered accommodation, or private housing.

One site, known as the north site, is 4.13 acres while the south site is 3.29 acres.

To put the size into context, and potential scale of any development, a 12-hectare site in Barrow has attracted bids to build 142 homes, so a total of three hectares could possibly see approximately 40 properties being built.

The council first earmarked the sites for housing last January, along with land north of Duchy Court and off Flass Lane in Barrow.

Housing developers who are interested in buying one or both of the sites are asked to submit closed bids to the council, with details of their plans for the land, by noon on Friday August 25.

The briefing published by the council makes it clear that the authority is keen, and hopes for the sites to be turned into houses as quickly as possible, with strict time limits on various aspects of the sale and development.

The terms of the sale state that:

  • A full planning application must be submitted within one month of contracts being exchanged;
  • The purchase must be completed within four weeks of planning consent being granted;
  • Development must begin within eight weeks of planning consent being granted.

You can view the council's full report on the sites below.

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