Controversial plans to build 160 homes in an area which already has more than 550 homes in the pipeline have been approved.

Carlisle City Council’s executive committee has approved the application, despite the concerns of residents.

It is the latest in a string of developments in the area of the former Carleton Clinic, after the Speckled Wood site, the Moorside Place development and The Coppice.

The county councillor for Harraby South, Deborah Earl, called for a deferral on the application, to allow for improvements to the mini roundabout at Garlands Road and Cumwhinton Road.

She said a number of residents expressed concerns during a consultation event last year and feel they have not been listened to.

“There will be 719 homes using that mini-roundabout, it’s completely inadequate. Many residents have responded to the consultation and have been getting in touch about the safety concerns. People speed over the roundabout at the moment.

“I am so unhappy it has been passed without being taken into consideration. I asked for it to be deferred to improve that junction.

“That is all I asked for and was completely ignored. I am concerned residents are not being heard. I am not happy about the development at all.”

In a passionate speech to the development committee she also raised the issue of near-misses and unreported crashes resulting from the speed and volume of traffic using the roundabout. She said that it would only be a matter of time before someone is injured or worse.

“I would like you to consider how you would feel if this development was being imposed on your ward and it was your residents that were so upset about it,” she told Carlisle city councillors at the meeting.

Eleven objections were submitted by residents, expressing concerns about the impact on nearby infrastructure, the site representing one of the last remaining green spaces in the area and about increased traffic. Homes England will now invite developers to bid for the right to build the homes, which will be a mix of sizes. Cumberland House on the site is to be converted into residential apartments, while Westmorland House will be demolished.

Homes England say the application includes a green spaces provision and most of the trees will be retained.

A spokeswoman said: “We have worked closely with both Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council, whose planning committee has unanimously approved the development of the land at Carleton Clinic. This is an area with high housing need, and the development will set an important precedent for good place making and quality design in the area.

“We have also committed to almost £700,000 in Section 106 contributions, which includes allocations for education provision and highways improvements, including the Carlisle Southern Link Road and the widening of Sewells Lonning junction.”