THE first look at new homes which could be built as part of a regeneration of a Cleator Moor estate have been revealed.

Home Group wants to build 20 new houses on cleared land at Keir Hardie Avenue.

Hundreds of Cleator Moor residents were shocked last year to receive demolition notices from the housing association.

However, Home Group later apologised, saying the letter was not clear and that there were no plans in place at the time.

Since then the housing association has consulted with residents of the Wath Brow and Priory Drive areas to discuss the future of the estate.

Speaking at a Cleator Moor Town Council meeting, Brian Patterson of Home Group said: “The strong feedback that we got from residents was to build something on our cleared site at Kier Hardie, so that’s exactly the first thing we’ve gone away and done.

“What we want to use this development for is a springboard for some regeneration to the rest of the estate as well and show people what can be achieved.

“In an ideal world we wouldn’t have suggested such a wide mix in one place but because we’re trying to showcase what we can put forward, we’ve included a mix of everything.”

The proposal includes a mix of two-bed bungalows and two- to four-bedroomed homes.

Mr Patterson said the development would include properties for rent to Home Group customers and some for sale on the open market, with affordable housing.

A green space would be included as part of the scheme and links through the estates would be improved. All of the houses would have off-street parking.

Speaking at the meeting, county councillor Frank Morgan said: “I think it’s in the interests of the people in this area to have that variety of properties. It enables people to stay in communities when they’ve been threatened by things like bedroom tax.”

Mr Patterson said: “That’s one thing we’re very aware of - the sense of community that came across very strongly at the events we held.”

Home Group hopes to submit an application to Copeland Council by the end of the month.