Developer buys depot for homes

Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 01 May 2008

COCKERMOUTH’S Sullart Street depot has been sold to a housing developer.

The county council-owned depot, home of Cumbria Highways, was offered for sale by way of sealed bids in excess of £3.5 million.

Cheshire developer Adlington has bought the site for an undisclosed sum.

Adlington, a new company, has been set up especially to create luxury apartments for the over 55s.

The firm is currently in pre-planning application discussions with Allerdale council planners about its proposals for the site, which has outline permission for a minimum of 76 homes. Twenty five per cent of these must be affordable local-only properties.

The company was unavailable for comment last night, but Cockermouth councillor and campaigner for affordable housing in the town Alan Smith said: ““I will be a bit disappointed if it is only for people aged over 55. What we need is 78 homes for young people in the town.”