Plans for more than 50 homes in and around Carlisle have been given the go-ahead.

Applications for 19 homes on land at Lansdowne Close, Stanwix, and off Scotby Road were granted permission by the city council’s development control committee.

More than 80 letters of objection were submitted to the authority about Reiver Homes’s development at Lansdowne Close.

People said that while they are not adverse to the land being developed, its size was not suitable for as many as 19 homes – and that bungalows should also be considered, given the age demographic of the area.

Other concerns raised included lorries accessing the site during construction and for refuse collection and the availability of parking once the homes have been built.

Liz Mallinson, Conservative councillor for Stanwix Urban, spoke on behalf of the residents.

She said: “I have to say that this application has tested my knowledge and experience of planning. I have never had so many people get in touch.

She added: “I am not satisfied by the safety of access for the vehicles that will be using it.”

Rachel Lightfoot, acting as agent for the application, said that vehicles would be accessing and exiting the site in a forward gear.

Members of the committee also approved plans for a development by Robinson Dixon Homes for 34 homes off Scotby Road.

Barry Earp, Conservative councillor for Wetheral, expressed concerns about parking while members of the committee discussed the application.

He said: “Eight houses will have five or six bedrooms. Presumably that’s two parents and four or five children.

“Presumably each house will have a number of vehicles. Why then is there only two visitor parking spaces?”

Doreen Parsons, Conservative member for Great Corby and Geltsdale, said: “On the site visit I was concerned about the danger of access to the site.

“I also don’t think that the development is in keeping with the village of Scotby.”

However, despite their concerns, members of the committee voted in favour of the recommendations made by planning officer Stephen Daniel to approve the application, subject to 10 homes being secured as affordable housing.

A contribution of £70,090 must also be made towards Cumbria County Council for education – and £24,221 contribution must be made for the maintenance of open spaces.

Councillors also agreed to defer making a decision on an application made by McKnight and Son Builders to demolish existing school buildings at the former Caldewgate School site, on Kendal Street.

The firm is seeking permission to build 15 terraced houses and 20 flats.

Councillors were recommended to approve the plans subject to conditions.

Councillors said that they would wait for an assessment to be completed before a decision is made.