LAND behind Ulverston hospital could soon be filled with 22 new homes if plans submitted by Kendal housebuilders get the go-ahead.

The Merewood Group, which is based at Natland, has submitted a detailed planning application to South Lakeland District Council for a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses on Union Lane.

Managing director Gary Middlebrook said the proposed development was "traditional" in style with rendered residences which would have some grey tile facing.

The plans include 13 detached homes with four bedrooms, two three-bedroomed semis and six two-bed flats.

The access route to the new estate would be from Union Lane.

Planning officer Kate Lawson said she could not yet give an indication of the council's attitude to the plans but explained that the principal of development on the Union Lane site was established.

The site has actually been allocated for housing in SLDC's local plan since 1996 but this is the first development application.

Mr Middlebrook said housebuilders had shied away from the site because it has a slope.

He added that Merewood was optimistic of getting the go-ahead from the council for its proposal: " The site is allocated so we don't perceive a planning issue."

SLDC is now consulting other parties, including Ulverston town council and the highways engineer, for their views on the plans which are likely to be considered by the council's planning committee on April 30.

Copies of the Merewood application are being held at Ulverston Town Hall, Queen Street, for public inspection.