A housing co-operative has submitted plans to build 27 homes in Kirkby Stephen.

Eden District Council has received proposals to develop a 1.8 acre site off Nateby Road, Kirkby Stephen.

The applicant is eQuality Homes Co-operative Society Ltd.

In a statement it said: "We are delighted to say that planning permission has been submitted for our first development aimed at people who are struggling to get on the property ladder.

"If approved, the plot will consist of a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses and bungalows.

"A key selling point of the housing scheme will be that the residents will become members of the co-operative that owns the houses giving them an element of control regarding key matters relating to their homes and the scheme itself.

"The scheme will provide residents with a home for life that they can decorate and personalise, live in rent-free once their share of costs is paid, and even leave to their children."

Homes England, the Government’s housing agency, have part-funded the project.

This support helping the co-operative to quickly progress the project through to the planning phase says the group.