PLANS for almost 160 new homes in Carlisle have been met with dismay from the area’s county councillor.

Cllr Deborah Earl, who represents Harraby South, critcised Home England’s outline planning application for 160 new homes at Carleton Clinic when it was approved last year.

Now, Penrith-based homebuilder Genesis Homes has submitted a reserved matters planning application for 157 high-spec homes on the site to be known as the Woodlands — and Cllr Earl remains unimpressed.

She said: “It’s just more of the same — more houses on an area with no local amenities, more damage to the roads with heavy plant machinery making people’s lives a misery.

“The drainage in that area is still not right, so I will be objecting.

“The mini roundabout in Cumwhinton Drive still causes problems. There are just too many houses for the road, it’s not fit for purpose. When new developments start, the roads don’t get adapted and it’s just pothole after pothole.

“Don’t get me wrong, I understand houses have to be built, but there’s noting else on that estate.”

Genesis Homes managing director Nicky Gordon said: “Community engagement is very important to us and we welcome feedback from local residents and councillors about our proposals.

“It is relevant in this instance to point out that the site already benefits from outline planning permission for the construction of up to 160 homes. This was gained by Homes England, a government agency which acquired the site to ensure housing was brought to it.

“Genesis Homes considers the implications each development may have on the community, and we believe this project will bring huge benefits to the area.

“We have committed more than £500,000 to improve the highways in the area, and there will be upgrades to Sewell’s Lonning and Carlisle Southern Link Road as part of this drive to develop the wider road network.

“In terms of drainage, we will address any issues that arise as part of a discharge of planning conditions prior to commencement of any construction work.”