After several false dawns, the site of the former B&Q on Great Stone Road can now be redeveloped after the developer’s 228-home proposal was approved by the council’s planning committee.

Cheshire East Council has refused several housing schemes against officer recommendations in recent weeks, meaning the developer’s plans for 325 homes to the east of the town are far from a shoe in.

Damage to the Carlisle venue caused by Storm Éowyn in January forced the contractor and Cumberland Council back to the negotiating table, while Cubby’s takeover also complicated matters.

The deal forms part of Totally Wicked’s expansion strategy, Prime said. As of this summer, Totally Wicked is majority owned by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Wittyace, which shares directors with ...