PLANS have been submitted to build 61 new residential properties on Walney including 25 affordable homes.

Two plots off Solway Drive, close to the West Point House apartments, were put up for sale by Barrow Borough Council in July 2017.

The council published a briefing, aimed at property developers, after earmarking the land for housing.

The council’s briefing about the sites revealed 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.

In order to ensure the sites were developed quickly, and to avoid a repeat of the Arthur Street saga where derelict land remained untouched for a decade, the council imposed strict time limits on any prospective sale.

The council said full planning application must be submitted within a month of contracts being exchanged; the purchase of the land must be completed within four weeks of planning consent being granted; and development must begin within eight weeks of planning consent being granted.

In December 2017 the authority accepted a closed bid, which was the only bid, of £325,000 from Leck Construction and this week the housebuilder has submitted its plans for the site.

The proposed development of 61 homes will be split between the north and south sites.

The north site will be made up of 25 "lower cost housing for sale or rent" and include two- and three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses.

The south site will be made up of 36 two- and three-bedroom detached and semi-detached properties with garages.

The homes will range between bungalows and those across 2.5 storeys.

All 71 properties will have parking for two vehicles.

Leck Construction said the development "will maintain open views from Cows Tarn Lane" and “will make a significant contribution towards mixed market housing within the borough”.