By Ian Duncan

Last updated at 12:16, Monday, 04 March 2013

Carlisle is poised for a major housing boost after plans for almost 470 homes were submitted.

The planning applications are for developments in Scotby, Carlisle and Dalston. They have been submitted by Story Homes to Carlisle City Council.

The largest proposed development would see 295 properties built on land bounded by Hammonds Pond, Oaklands Drive and Durdar Road in Carlisle.

It would include 59 affordable homes as well as associated open space and amenities.

The plan has attracted comments including a letter from St Cuthbert Without parish council which supported the plan but raised a number of issues.

According to the letter concerns covered: access, drainage, transport and provision of facilities such as schools and shops.

The Environment Agency has raised concerns that some areas of the site are at a high risk of flooding and has requested further information about a proposed drainage scheme to make sure it meets national planning policy requirements.

Nearby residents raised concerns over issues including: traffic volume, access, safety, a loss of wildlife habitat and privacy.

The second proposed development would provide 128 new homes with associated open space and infrastructure on land between Townhead Road and Station Road in Dalston.

It has attracted a total of 62 responses – two in favour, 53 against and a petition opposing it.

Objections covered a number of issues including: too many larger properties, the development would be too large for the village, the strain on local amenities, traffic volume, access and drainage.

The Environment Agency has requested a detailed submission on the proposed drainage scheme for the site. Cumbria County Council’s development control and regulation committee has already considered the application which raised no objections.

Andrew Williams, Carlisle City Council’s housing development officer, said that the plan could have included more affordable housing – it has been identified that the rural west housing area will need a total of 55 affordable homes built between 2011 and 2015.

The final application would provide 45 homes on land at the rear of Scotby Green Steading, with associated open space and infrastructure.

Simtor Ltd has also lodged an application to build 31 homes on land at Broomfallen Road in Scotby.

Both Scotby applications will be heard by members of the city council’s development control committee on Friday.

First published at 11:32, Monday, 04 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk