Housebuilder Story Homes says the firm is poised to move to the next phase of its development of a huge estate on the northern fringes of Carlisle.

The construction firm has permission for 850 homes at Crindledyke Farm - and has built 184 homes so far.

But it says since it started building the housing market has "evolved".

The overall scale of the development is now likely to be between 650 and 700 homes, rather than the proposed 850, bosses say.

Despite the reduction in the proposed number of homes, Crindledyke Farm - near Kingmoor Park - is still set to be the biggest housing development in Carlisle for some time.

Ian Storey, managing director of Story Homes in Cumbria and Scotland, said: "We have written to all our residents to provide a full update on the development.

"As we develop our proposals for the next phase of Crindledyke Farm, we have the opportunity to reflect on how the housing market has evolved since our initial outline planning application.

"With this in mind, we will be looking to review and improve our plans and believe it is unlikely that we will build up to the permitted maximum of 850 homes.

"The overall scale of the development is more likely to be 650 to 700 homes in total."

Other features are poised to be added to the site.

A temporary play park and football pitch should be open this summer.

Mr Storey said: "As we complete phase one, an area of temporary open space will be provided to incorporate items of play equipment for infants and juniors as well as an informal activity area suitable for older children.

"Permission to construct the open space is already in place and we are seeking to agree details of the play equipment with the city council so we can get the play area opened this summer."

The developer has contributed £281,000 towards the extension of the cycle path through Kingmoor Nature Reserve towards the city centre.

Work started in the last couple of weeks.

Mr Storey said: "We are pleased to see these works are underway as part of improvements coordinated by Carlisle City Council."

Story Homes paid £35,000 towards highway improvements - which included public footpath improvements towards Chandler Way, near the nearby Asda store.

It has also made a £38,000 contribution towards public transport.

A bus now runs a service to and from the site.

In 2013, the site - and another one at Shotley Bridge in County Durham - won an award at the UK Property Awards in London.

Crindledyke Farm is one of a string of developments by the firm.

Others in north Cumbria include: The Ridings at Durranhill in Carlisle; Eden Gate at Houghton; Edenholme Park at Cumwhinton; St Andrew's View at Thursby; The Oaks at Clifton, near Penrith; Orchard Place, Appleby; The Grange, Dalston; and The Meadows, Lazonby, near Penrith.