By James Johnson Wigton reporter

Last updated at 15:34, Friday, 22 February 2013

The prospect of a 77-person care home is on the horizon for Wigton as a company aims to meet housing needs.

The complex would be built on the former Huntington’s Garage site

Mulbury Homes, a Cheshire-based property developer, had previously applied for permission to build the complex on the site of the former Huntington’s Garage on South End.

That application for a 46-room home has since been withdrawn but Mulbury Homes this week confirmed it would be submitted again.

A spokesman said: “The original planning application has been withdrawn while we work with the borough council, county council and other stakeholders to make improvements to the proposed scheme.

“A planning application will be resubmitted in due course.”

The development, if constructed, would be the biggest residential building in the town.The company say that the composition of the building has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of the community.

A planning statement to Allerdale Council states: “In terms of local housing need, this has been examined by the provider and the provision of sheltered accommodation has been deemed appropriate for this area.

“The proposed tenure mix was approved due to the lack of provision of housing for sheltered accommodation currently in the area.

“The proposals acknowledge the need for a high standard of design that seeks to contribute positively to and enrich the local area.”

The developers say that the architecture of the building would be designed to fit in with the overall appearance of the town and the buildings around it.

The project would involve demolishing a number of buildings on the site.

Currently there are a number of buildings that have fallen into disrepair after the garage became unoccupied in 2007.

Mulbury Homes specialise in affordable housing and providing for social landlords across the north of the country.

They have developed schemes in Warrington, Acton, Blackburn and Salford.

Three residents taking part in consultation raised questions asking for clarification on who exactly the development is for, what lighting will be installed, and whether a bus shelter would be built.

First published at 14:55, Friday, 22 February 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk