A former Carlisle school is set to be demolished - making way for brand new "starter" homes.

City-based firm McKnight and Son Builders have put forward plans for 15 terraced houses and 20 flats on the site of the former Caldewgate School, off Shaddongate.

A recommendation has been made to Carlisle City Council's development control committee to approve the plans, despite a raft of objections from nearby residents.

Caldewgate School operated in the existing building from 1872 until 1988. The building was recently home to the University of Cumbria's Fine Art campus.

It currently houses two charities: Cumbria Blood Bikes; and The Encouragement Shed, which is run by Carlisle's Vineyard Church.

However concerns have been raised about the noise and dust that could arise from the demolition of the school building and how the rubble will be disposed of. Residents have also queried whether there is any asbestos in the building.

Other questions concern vehicles accessing the site during both the demolition and building stages, as well as parking arrangements.

In a letter to the council's planning department, Katherine Farish, a resident on Newcastle Street, said: "Any large vehicles would not be able to negotiate these narrow, cobbled streets and there is a sharp bend at the junctions of Kendal, York and Newcastle Streets.

"Residents' vehicles will be parked on both sides throughout the length of all the access roads. If the plan is to open the access from Kendal Street this will further restrict parking places.

"The planning council need to realise there is a one-way system and that works vehicles cannot be left on the street even for a short time as this will cause an obstruction."

Wayne McKnight, of McKnight and Son Builders, said the homes would take 12 to 15 months to build once planning permission is granted.

He suggested the mix of two and three bedroom-properties would be suitable as starter homes.

"There is demand for that," he said. "It's close to the city centre so people can walk to work and it's close to supermarkets and other services.

"I would imagine the houses when completed would be for rent."

Recommendations made in a report by case officer Richard Maunsell state the application should be approved with conditions.