Plans to build a new estate to develop an “eyesore” patch of land have been given the green light by Copeland Council.

Approval was granted by the council for an 18-home build consisting of two and three-bedroom affordable rented homes by Home Group.

The location for the modular homes will be at the junction of Meadow Road and Uldale Road in Whitehaven.

Councillor Carl Walmsley, who represents Mirehouse East ward, is delighted that the plans have been approved, as he said the two and three-bedroom homes will transform an “eyesore” strip of land into something useful and needed.

He said: “I’m delighted with the news. I’ve supported it from the start. It will be a brilliant first impression into the area. I have seen the modular properties in Egremont.

“I think the majority would rather see some new housing there as a nice first impression of our estate driving in from town, than a muddy patch with piles of rubble.

“I think I speak on behalf of the majority of residents in welcoming this development.”

David Armstrong, senior delivery manager at Home Group, said: “Following the success of Royal Drive in Egremont, a first of its kind in Cumbria to use state-of-the-art modular houses, we are delighted to have obtained planning approval for this new site.

“We are also pleased to be using the same construction team to deliver the scheme, with the houses again being produced and installed by ILKE homes, with the foundations, drainage and other groundworks being installed by local company Ashcroft Demolition.

“The project will deliver much needed two and three-bedroom affordable rented homes in the same style and specification as at Royal Drive, and also tidy up an area of land which has become an eyesore to local residents.

“Once completed, the modular houses are highly efficient and visually indistinguishable from traditional properties. The homes have all been very well received by customers and our other partners and we’re excited to be continuing this work in the region.”