A developer says it is delighted after plans to alter a controversial housing complex in Wetheral were passed on appeal.

Carlisle City Council issued Citadel Estates with an enforcement notice last May, claiming it had made 10 breaches in relation to its Skelton Court development in Wetheral.

The firm was granted permission in 2012 to redevelop the former Skelton House farm building into 15 flats.

But since then, Citadel has lodged a number of applications to amend parts of the original plans.

These related to the layout and number of flats in the development, car parking, landscaping, bin storage and insertion of double glazed uPVC window units throughout the whole of the development.

These were turned down and the matter was sent to the Planning Inspectorate - a government agency - to resolve.

It concluded that nine out of the 10 objections should be quashed.

Nick Elgey, commercial director of Citadel Estates, said: "We are delighted that the planning inspector upheld nine of the 10 points on the appeal and granted full planning consent for 16 apartments.

"Nearly all of the issues raised have been quashed in our favour.

"He also agreed the principle for apartment 17 but had issues with the roof terrace, which we are confident can be overcome with a redesign."

The appeal decisions report highlighted this apartment.

It stated: "I see no reason to take issue with the principle of providing additional living accommodation within the roof space of Skelton Court.

"However, the physical consequences of the particular scheme in question are such that they render it unacceptable.

"Not only would the living conditions of the neighbours be harmed as a result of the creation of the roof terrace, but also the alterations to the roof profile of the building would tend to detract from both the character and appearance of the conservation area."

The scheme drew criticism from residents - who set up a group called Save Wetheral Village - that claimed that Citadel Estates had used minor amendment applications to increase the size and build additional apartments.

Mr Elgey said: "Marketing to sell the approved apartments will now begin in earnest.

"We have people waiting to buy them."

A spokeswoman for Carlisle City Council said: "We feel it is inappropriate to comment at this stage."