Penrith is the best-connected location for growth in this part of Westmorland and Furness. The town has a good range of facilities with proximity to road and rail connectivity, health and education, and employment. However opportunities for growth are constrained by the A66 and M6 to the south and west. Therefore north Penrith is a strong location for new housing development.
The land is already identified in the Eden Local Plan as a Future Growth site, with a small part of it already part of a housing allocation. This means that the land has been identified as a housing growth location for several years.
This part of Penrith has already proven popular with our existing residents due to the proximity to local amenities, including bus stops, the railway station and shops.
The primary access for vehicles would be a new junction on Inglewood Road, with opportunities for secondary vehicular accesses via Phase 2 of The Fairways to enhance permeability. Some of the new homes would also have direct accesses on to Inglewood Road.
The development would include measures to improve on site biodiversity through new planting and the proposed Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which in turn will create new habitats, including the possibility of both on site and off site provision.
We are designing a foul and surface water drainage strategy to accord with sustainable drainage principles and comply with regulatory requirements. Foul water from the development is proposed to discharge into the local United Utilities sewer network, subject to agreement with the statutory undertaker. It is proposed that surface water management will be achieved through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) including a basin to the south of the site, connecting to the local sewer network.
The development would broadly match the appearance of earlier phases, with the intention being to create distinctive and attractive street scenes. The houses will predominately be constructed with brick, with some render elevations and stone used in key locations including boundaries.
As part of this next phase, a local community centre is proposed to enhance the range of facilities in north Penrith. We will work with stakeholders to ensure that an ‘end user’ is identified to take on the ownership and management of such a facility, and to ensure that it fully delivers its potential.
An equipped play area is also proposed set within the new public open space. Management and maintenance would be the responsibility of the management company for the site. The design and type of equipment to be provided will be subject to discussions with Westmorland and Furness Council and other stakeholders such as Penrith Town Council. The views of local residents will also be important.
The development would include pedestrian connections to the existing highway network, to encourage journeys to be taken on foot or via public transport. The nearest bus stops can be accessed on foot and provide convenient access to a range of amenities and local services, including Penrith bus and train stations which provide access to a range of destinations across Cumbria and beyond.
A travel plan would also be implemented to promote greener, cleaner travel choices and to reduce reliance on private vehicles. The travel plan would provide a package of support, initiatives, and targets that together can enable new residents to reduce the impact their travel has upon the local environment.
Thoughtfully planned landscaping would enhance the development, including tree planting, shrubbery, and garden spaces to provide natural beauty, promote biodiversity, and encourage outdoor activities.
The new homes will be designed to achieve a high standard of energy efficiency through a fabric-first approach resulting in lower energy consumption, reduced heating costs, and improved comfort throughout the year. Air or ground source heat pumps will also provide efficient heating and hot water to all new homes. The development will also support the transition to sustainable transport through the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Dedicated charging points will be installed to serve each dwelling, enabling residents to charge electric vehicles conveniently at home and encouraging the uptake of cleaner, low-emission transport options.
As a privately-owned housebuilder, Story Homes contributes to the local economy in many ways, including the provision of direct and indirect employment opportunities, affordable homes and improvements in infrastructure.
The addition of around 265 new homes will address the increasing demand for housing in Penrith, particularly for families and individuals seeking modern, energy efficient homes in a desirable area. 30% of these homes will be classed as affordable.
New on site habitats will be created through planting native tree and shrub species and the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). An overall 10% net gain will be also secured by funding off site improvements through a Habitat Bank.
Improvements to local infrastructure such as play equipment and a local community centre would be delivered on site. Where necessary, financial contributions will be secured to address wider infrastructure gaps. This will benefit the local community, ensuring Penrith remains a thriving area.
The provision of new of publicly accessible open spaces will encourage outdoor activities and promote a healthier lifestyle. Reducing excess nutrients from entering the River Eden catchment area, will ensure a clean ecosystem and support safe recreational uses.
The construction phase of the development will create local job opportunities, supporting businesses and tradespeople in Penrith and the wider area. New residents will also increase footfall to local shops, services, and amenities.
As part of preparing this proposal we are seeking the views of local people and stakeholders. Please submit your comments no later than midnight on Friday 13 November 2026 to ensure that they can be taken into consideration.
You can share your comments in any of the following ways:
Share your viewsBy email: consultation@storyhomes.co.uk
In writing: Land and Planning team, Story Homes, Story House, Lords Way, Kingmoor Business Park, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4SL
