The Rickergate station was damaged in the 2005 floods

The force angered hundreds of residents with plans to build a new custody suite in the Houghton area of the city.

It submitted another application for a police station and custody cells at Durranhill, in the east of Carlisle.

Carlisle City Council has approved the plan, which will replace the forces damaged Rickergate station.

The new facility will be based at the former Rathbone's bakery site and was chosen because of its position within the city and its road links to the motorway.

Best technology

Chief Constable, Michael Baxter said: "This news gives a real advancement to our future policing structure in Carlisle and the surrounding area.

"The new custody facilities will use the best available technology to ensure fast processing of prisoners to allow our officers to be back on the streets as quickly as possible.

"During the forthcoming months we will keep local businesses, residents and councillors informed of the details of the complex and working in partnership throughout."

The new complex is expected to be operational by the end of the year.