Calls have been made to ensure that Carlisle’s “garden village” expansion is unique and built for the future.

More than £200,000 of funding for the development, which could bring up to 10,000 new homes as well as schools, businesses and infrastructure to the south of the city, has already been handed over by the Government.

Garry Legg, Carlisle City Council’s investment and policy manager, told members of the authority’s environment and economy overview and scrutiny panel that a further £3m could be made available to participating local authorities next year.

Mr Legg said that a “different approach” must be taken to the development – known as Carlisle South or St Cuthbert’s – a long-term project which is unlikely to be completed until 2030.

He said: “We have to look at design innovation and quality. A different approach will be needed for such a large site.

“A traditional development probably isn’t suitable for Carlisle South.”

Mr Legg said that the city council had received a substantial amount of interest in the project from third party companies who wanted to be part of the development, which would be considered with the development of a “masterplan”.

Nigel Christian, Conservative councillor for Dalston, said that digital connectivity and communication should be an integral part in developing St Cuthbert’s, which councillors agreed on.

Colin Glover, leader of the city council, said that the garden village was about building for the future. “I think people will be living very different lives in 30 years’ time,” he said.

“It’s about infrastructure, digital strategy, how people will be educated and what healthcare will be needed.

“It’s an opportunity to create something special for Carlisle. I think those of us who are here in 30 years time will be able to look back and see that we were part of something that was really good for Carlisle.”