A multi-millionaire property developer wants to create a huge complex in west Cumbria to house the thousands of workers who will be needed for a new nuclear power station.

Brian Scowcroft has recently finalised plans for a similar project to house 6,000 workers needed for a nuclear development in Anglesey and want to take a similar approach in west Cumbria.

His company, Land and Lakes - which has bases in Kendal and Carlisle - is in the talks over options in Cumbria.

In Anglesey, the company is suggesting that the workers could become residents at Holy Island, 12 miles away, that will be converted to general use after the workers have left.

The destination of the site in Cumbria currently has yet to be disclosed, and suggestions that it may be the former Royal Naval Armaments Depot in Broughton Moor have been denied.

The plan has been developed by Brian Scowcroft who has spent £4 million on the scheme in Anglesey and believes that it would create 600 permanent jobs.

Earlier this month, the local council granted planning permission for the 1,000 acre site in Anglesey which would feature have up to 500 lodges and cottages, a luxury spa and beachfront walks open to the public.

Mr Scowcroft said: “[Workers] either live in temporary accommodation or use tourist accommodation.

“So you could lose the tourists, we want to minimise the impact of the workers and maximise the legacy.”

The project could have huge implications for Cumbria, Mr Scowcroft’s next project could be in the west of the county, in preparation for the Moorside nuclear development new Sellafield.

Land and Lakes’ website also makes note of its intentions for west Cumbria. It reads: “Land and Lakes is currently developing two major mixed-use sites in the UK: Penrhos on the island of Anglesey and Whitehaven in the borough of Copeland in Cumbria.

“Our ambition is to create two equally compelling destinations where individuals can thrive and communities can prosper”

Councillor Lena Hogg, deputy Mayor and Copeland’s portfolio holder for growth, said: “Obviously the numbers of workers coming to the area will require housing and we will be liaising closely with NuGen and developers to make sure it is done right.

“This is an opportunity to create housing that is appropriate, fits into our communities and leaves us with a positive legacy rather than a problem.”

Speaking about the development to in-Cumbria, Mr Scowcroft, said: “It’s about minimising the impact and maximising the legacy of it.” But he refused to be drawn any further on the plans.

There has already been some controversy about where contractors for Moorside power station are going to be housed in Copeland, and whether 1,000 workers are to be put up in “student-style” accommodation in Cleator Moor.