A HOUSING group is demolishing nearly 60 homes deemed 'old-fashioned' and 'outdated' and building dozens of new ones in their place.

Planning has officially been given the green light for a major housing development at Queen's Park, Millom.

Housing association, Home Group, is leading the project which will see 66 new affordable two, three and four bedroomed homes built on the estate.

A Home Group spokesman said: "Queens Park was built in the 1940s and consists predominantly of concrete, flat-roofed properties that have surpassed their life expectancy.

"Home group will provide new homes that are fit-for-purpose, which suits customer aspirations and housing needs.

"The homes will meet customers’ expectations and needs - to develop houses for sale at affordable prices along with houses for Home Group customers to rent."

Brian Patterson, Home Group regeneration development manager in Cumbria, added: “Our mission at Home Group is to build homes, independence and aspirations. This development fits perfectly with that.

“The vision for the scheme is to solve the problems that these older homes have created over their lifetime, by building new homes that are fit-for-purpose and will stand the test of time.

“Having consulted widely we are also able to satisfy the demand for different types of housing in the area, as well provide new functional public spaces for both new and existing residents, while creating better connectivity through the site.”

Ruth Peter, Millom Town Councillor, has welcomed the plans.

She said: "This is going to improve the whole look of that area which is really quite old-fashioned and outdated.

"This is an exciting venture for Millom and will hopefully encourage more residents to move in.

"The current residents have been consulted constantly about any concerns.

"I believe there are six houses which are to remain due to families not wanting to sell up.

"However, most people have moved by now. It's been very sensitively handled."