Residents are celebrating a housing developer's decision to create a new footpath to improve pedestrian safety for its development on the outskirts of Carlisle.
The planned footpath comes in wake of Genesis Homes' proposed 90 new homes at Sandsfield Way.
Community members from Priorwood Close Residents’ Group praise the decision, noting the new footpath, connecting Sandsfield Way development to their housing estate, will dramatically enhance road safety.
As of March 13, Cumberland Council’s planning committee approved the planning application for these new homes, set to be constructed on current agricultural land at Orton Road, west of Carlisle City Centre.
Kevin Smith, the secretary of Priorwood Close Residents’ Group expressed gratitude at the council meeting: "Thank you to Genesis Homes for agreeing to include a footpath on their land that would alleviate the danger to pedestrians on Sandsfield Lane.
"We really appreciate this.
"They will save lives in the long run."
Besides the footpath, Genesis Homes also plan to contribute £409,800 towards local education, and £108,433 to upgrade existing facilities on nearby Yewdale Road and Richmond Green.
A £30,000 investment will also support the provision of artificial sports pitches around the area.
Housing plans detail the construction of two to five bedroomed homes, with 17 homes earmarked as affordable housing for locals.
Nicky Gordon, the managing director of Genesis Homes, expressed his company’s excitement for the project.
He said: "We are really excited to be building 90 high-specification, energy-efficient homes to benefit the local community, and are looking forward to getting on site now that full planning application has been granted by Cumberland Council.
"Supporting the cities, towns and villages we create new communities in is something Genesis Homes is extremely passionate about, and we are delighted to give something back to the local area.
"We have listened to the community and we’re pleased to be able to provide a footpath which residents themselves say will help improve people’s safety".
Further plans include an integrated Sustainable Urban Drainage System to mitigate flooding and drainage issues, promote the return of wildlife and facilitate the creation of a community green.
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