WORK on a 267-home estate in Workington is due to begin later this year, creating more than 150 jobs.

Final plans have been submitted for the development on land off Ashfield Road South by Lovell and Home Group.

If approved, work is earmarked to begin in the autumn.

Allerdale Investment Partnership took on the land, which was owned by Allerdale council, and marketed it for development.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2015, with detailed plans approved last year for developer Mandale Homes to build 35 homes.

They are due to be ready this summer.

Housing developer Lovell and social landlord Home Group's proposal will see 221 homes for open market sale and 46 homes for discounted sale and affordable rent.

Bruce Lister, regional regeneration director at Lovell, said: “We are excited to be bringing forward these much-needed homes for local people in partnership with Home Group and are delighted to have formally submitted the detailed plans.

"The proposals will provide a superb selection of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and a number of bungalows, with properties ideal for buyers at all stages of the property ladder as well as a great range of affordable homes available through Home Group.

“Over the life of the project, we expect to create over 150 construction jobs and safeguard many more.

“In line with our legacy commitment to delivering lasting benefits for local communities, we’ll be creating opportunities for local construction companies and suppliers alongside significant training opportunities for local people and support for local organisations and community groups.”

David Crossland, senior development manager at Home Group, said: “In Cumbria and nationwide there’s a great need for quality new houses and affordable homes – this development will make a real contribution to meeting this demand in Workington and provide a boost for the local economy.”

Alan Smith, leader of Allerdale council and chairman of the board of the Allerdale Investment Partnership, said: “It’s great to see ongoing progress being made to deliver these much-needed new homes.

"This investment made possible through the AIP is a vote of confidence in Workington's future as a growth hub and will significantly contribute to Allerdale’s economic regeneration.”

Allerdale Investment Partnership was behind the Lidl development in Maryport, which created close to 50 jobs and is also bringing about the ongoing development of The Green for a drive-through Costa, a 78-bedroom Travelodge and a Marston’s pub by Hinton Group.