The buyer of Cockermouth’s former fire station site has revealed he is in talks over a possible housing and retirement development.

Businessman Bill Dobie said Dobies Properties Ltd paid more than £2 million for the 3.8-acre site off Station Road, which includes the fire headquarters building.

He is considering building a selection of homes, including affordable properties, ranging from two-bedroom flats to four or five-bedroom detached houses. He also hopes to create a "retirement facility”.

Mr Dobie, of Papcastle, said: “I think Cockermouth deserves some good quality development.

“We have had approaches from potential statutory providers considering doing something in partnership with us. We will be looking into what funding is available.”

Mr Dobie, who runs a motor trade business with branches in West Cumbria and Carlisle, and the Washington Central Hotel, in Workington, added: “We will invest between £5 million and £7 million, including the cost of the land.”

He said they were talking to key people about a possible retirement development and working with architects to draw up plans, which he hopes will be submitted to Allerdale council in November.

“You can appoint the best architects in England but the best projects evolve over a period,” he said.

“We are excited and proud to be able to do something a little bit different and special.

“Our development at Whitehaven harbour (nine flats in the former YWCA building) and the pyramids at Lillyhall are something more niche and bespoke. That’s what we like to do.”

Mr Dobie bought the land last year from Cumbria County Council.

“I think it’s the last substantial site in Cockermouth where you can have some appropriate housing without any flooding issues,” he said.

“It’s also convenient for people. They like convenience these days.

“While outlying villages have always been popular places to live I think there’s a movement towards people living in town.”

The site first went on the market two years ago. The building has been empty since staff moved to the new county fire and rescue headquarters in Penrith.