OPINIONS are divided on plans for a 50 home development on the outskirts of Carlisle.

Developer Persimmon Homes is seeking permission to build the homes on land next to Carleton Farm, off London Road on the southern edge of the city.

Ten of the new homes would be designated as “affordable”.

Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Councillor for Harraby South, is concerned.

“I was very surprised to learn of yet another planning application for 50 houses next to Speckled Wood,” she explained.

“It was only earlier this year I attended the planning meeting to object to the Homes England development on the Garlands Estate. The Garlands Road mini-roundabout is unsuitable for the amount of traffic with all the new houses being built.

“There is also a Gleeson development on Moorside Drive of 166 new homes which is causing traffic chaos for the residents on Moorside and Valley Drive.”

Mrs Earl is calling for answers.

“I am also greatly concerned about the amount of heavy plant machinery and wagons that come thundering down Cumwhinton Road and the wagons that shortcut through Mallyclose Drive and Forest Hill,” she continued.

“I hope Persimmon homes have some answers to these issues for the nearby residents who I know have suffered enough already.”

Neil Bousfield, owner of Carleton Motor Body Repairs, which is just down the road from the proposed site, commented: “It can’t harm businesses having more houses there, it might make us more busy. I don’t think I would object to it.”

John Roocroft, managing director at Persimmon Homes said: “The site adjacent to Carleton Farm was identified and allocated for residential development in Carlisle’s adopted local plan.

“The proposed development makes a natural extension to our popular Speckled Wood development which is nearing completion.

“We have submitted a planning application to build 50 much-needed homes on the site and are keen to progress the development of this area.”

Mr Roocroft says there will be ample choice for homeowners.

“We are proposing to provide a range of homes, including two, three and four-bedroom properties which we believe will fulfil a housing need in the area,” he said.

“Affordable housing is also included within the plans, together with associated infrastructure and open space. The application is accompanied by a transport statement that will be considered by Cumbria County Council as the highways authority.

“We believe the new homes will be of great benefit to the area and will also support local jobs and the economy. We are hopeful that this scheme will receive a successful planning outcome.”