Last updated 05:42, Friday, 19 September 2008

In July, as part of its mission to provide significantly more affordable housing, the government set a new target of three million homes to be built in the UK by 2020.Our hearts go out to Penrith 16-year-old Brad Reed and his family following the devastating news that the leukaemia with which he was first diagnosed more than five years ago has returned.

It also announced new “growth points”, of which 10 or 15 are expected to be in the north of England.

The city council wants Carlisle to be one of these growth points and build 700 new homes a year rather than the 450 or so completed annually at present.

In its submission to the government, the council says the population could rise from a little more than 100,000 to nearly 112,000 by 2029 (the Office of National Statistics) or as much as 119,000 by 2025 (Cumbria County Council).

The proposal for Carlisle to become a “growth point” may well have merit as part of the wide-ranging plans to regenerate the city and attract inward investment.

If the Renaissance is as successful as intended, then the population is bound to grow as more people choose to live and work in and around the city. Many new homes will be needed and it makes obvious sense to take advantage of government initiatives and plan for these properly rather than allowing piecemeal development.

But it’s vital, of course, that everybody should be kept in the loop along the way.

Brad’s courage was awe inspiring as he underwent a bone marrow transplant in November 2003 and gradually regained his strength and returned to school.

It is typical of that courage that, despite the gruelling treatment he now faces, Brad is determined to fight his illness all over again.

He is in our thoughts and prayers and we know all our readers will join us in wishing him well.