The housing boom in Carlisle is set to continue - with plans for 400 new homes potentially being given the go-ahead in the new year.

An application put forward by Kingmoor Park Properties for a scheme at Harker will be discussed on January 6, while plans have also been lodged for a 100-home development off Dalston Road, in Morton.

If approved, the Harker estate will be the latest among several north of the River Eden - including Crindledyke and Greymoorhill.

Meanwhile the scheme off Dalston Road is the first phase of a development that would transform the west of Carlisle - and could begin next year.

The plans are part of the so-called Morton Masterplan regeneration scheme, where permission was granted for 825 homes in 2010.

If the latest 100-home development is approved, building could start in 2017.

A design and access for the scheme at Harker says the development would be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses that “responds to local needs and ensures variety in the type and size of living accommodation for future residents”.

But despite it being recommended for approval, those living nearby have expressed concern about the proposals.

In a letter to development manager Chris Hardman, Dawn Hynes, who lives at Old Harker, said that the existing road is not wide enough to accommodate a footpath.

She said: "My garden is to the left hand side which is right up to the road and across from the is the garden of station House.

"I would not be prepared to give up any of my land for this. There is not enough land to sustain a footpath this size."

Concerns were also raised regarding the speed at which cars travel on the nearby A7 and potential problems that residents would have joining the road.

Other residents wrote to the city council to say that a bus route, which was mentioned by the developer, had since been withdrawn by its operator. Suggestions were also made to lower the speed limit on the A7 close to the development to 30mph.

However, a document prepared for members of the development control committee concludes: "The continuing dilapidated state of the site results in an environmental eyesore with limited employment value.

"This was recognised through the decision to allocate the site for redevelopment through the local plan.

"The site will make a significant contribution towards the future housing needs and remove demand away from other greenfield sites.

"Subject to any residual planning obligation contributions being directed towards required infrastructure, on balance it is considered that the benefits of this proposal outweigh the harm and, therefore, the recommendation is for approval subject to a S106 agreement."

Regarding the development off Dalston Road, Jane Meek, corporate director of economic development at Carlisle City Council, said: “This area has been allocated for development for some time and was subject to a Masterplan.

“Unfortunately it was held up by the need to complete essential infrastructure.

“We welcome the application as a significant step towards developing the area. The application is currently out for consultation and then will presented to the planning committee for a decision.”

A spokesman for Charles Church Lancashire added: “We have submitted an application to build 100 houses in Morton, Carlisle, of which 30 per cent would be affordable.

“We see this scheme as a natural continuation of the very successful Clover Fields development, which is now coming to an end."