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New homes and housing · Cumbria

Council and Housing Partnerships in Carlisle

How can councils and housing associations partner with us in Carlisle?

Land to Homes is open to partnerships with councils, housing associations and other registered providers in Carlisle and across the UK, to add to the supply of affordable and social homes. We bring land, planning and construction; our partners bring local knowledge, housing management and, where available, public grant. The aim is a scheme that meets local need and the landlord's standards.

Three professionals reviewing housing scheme plans around an office tableCarlisle · CA1

Talk to us about a partnership

Tell us about your organisation and the homes you need.

Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.

  • Private conversationsEvery arrangement documented
  • Land to homesLand, planning and construction
  • Housing partnersCouncils and housing associations
  • No public offerNothing here is an offer to invest
  • UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI

New homes around Carlisle

Carlisle (CA1) is the hub of our Cumbria coverage, with 5 further towns covered. Close by, our coverage also takes in Penrith, Workington and Hexham. Carlisle is part of England’s North West region.

People registering interest around Carlisle can tell us whether they want two- and three-bedroom family homes, larger family homes or homes for shared ownership. Planning in Carlisle follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.

Tell us what you need in Carlisle and we will be in touch if homes are released nearby.

What we offer in Carlisle

Standards agreed up front

Provider design standards, space standards and energy targets are agreed at the start, so the homes are ready to transfer on completion.

Clear agreements

Every partnership is set out in a written agreement covering the programme, specification, payment stages and handover.

Design and build

We design and build homes on land owned by a council or provider, to its specification and within its procurement rules.

Funding conditions in mind

We plan schemes around the conditions of the relevant funding programme, although grant is applied for and held by the council or provider.

Planning and land rules in Carlisle

In England, affordable housing on market developments in Carlisle is normally secured through a Section 106 agreement, which sets the number, tenure and transfer of homes to a registered provider. Grant from Homes England can add further homes, and the 2026 to 2036 programme expects at least 60% of funded homes to be Social Rent. Land to Homes can supply land, design and build homes, or deliver completed homes for councils and housing associations.

In England, registered providers, including housing associations and for-profit providers, are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. Affordable homes are usually secured through Section 106 agreements, and grant is channelled through Homes England, or the Greater London Authority in London. Councils follow procurement rules and their legal duties on value when disposing of land or appointing partners.

Key rules in Carlisle
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Land registrationHM Land Registry

Your questions answered for Carlisle

How do council land disposals work?

When a council sells or leases land for housing, it usually has legal duties around obtaining value and must follow its own disposal and procurement rules. Disposals may be marketed openly, offered through a development partner process or tendered. Land to Homes responds to opportunities where the terms suit, following the process the council sets.

Who applies for grant funding for affordable homes?

Usually the housing association or council, because public grant for affordable housing is normally paid to them under programmes run by Homes England, the Greater London Authority, the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government or, in Northern Ireland, the Housing Executive's Social Housing Development Programme. We plan schemes with the relevant funding conditions in mind.

What is a land-led scheme?

A land-led scheme is one where land is secured and a scheme is planned around a provider's needs, rather than the provider buying a share of homes within a market-led development. It can allow a higher proportion of affordable homes, or a fully affordable scheme, where planning policy and funding support it.

Can you build on land a council or housing association already owns?

Yes. Under a design and build arrangement, we design and construct homes on land the council or provider owns, to its specification and standards. Contracts follow the client's procurement rules, which may mean a framework, a tender or another compliant route. We discuss the approach early so the scheme fits the client's governance.

Can I register for new homes in Carlisle?

Yes. Registering for Carlisle is free and does not commit you to anything. There are no homes available yet; if we bring homes forward in or near Carlisle, we will contact you.

Read more: Council and Housing Association Partnerships · Guide: How affordable and social homes are delivered across the UK

Council and Housing Partnerships elsewhere in Cumbria

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

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