NEW plans for 100 new homes in Carlisle have been criticised by a councillor for being in 'the wrong place'.

The new development of 101 'affordable' homes - as well as parking, landscaping and public space - is being proposed for an area of land to the east of Lansdowne Close in Stanwix.

Partner Construction, who are working with Carlisle-based developers Castles & Coasts, said in a letter that the project is set "to develop this site and to bring forward a much needed mixed-tenure affordable housing development."

They added: "Castles & Coasts are a housing association with ambitious development plans across Cumbria, focused on tackling the housing crisis by providing affordable homes and sustainable communities.

"The scheme proposes a mix of two, three, and four bedroomed properties, the majority of which will be of an affordable rented tenure, with smaller proportions of affordable home ownership and open market sale tenures required to bring the scheme forward.

"The primary access to the site is proposed from Raisbeck Close to the north of the site, with a secondary access from Lansdowne Crescent.

"This will be subject to discussions with the local highways authority and Carlisle City Council."

A public consultation event was held yesterday to provide more detail on the proposed development, and members of the project team and design team were available to answer questions.

But concerns have been raised about the local infrastructure and its ability to cope with new development.

Councillor Liz Mallinson is worried about the impact of the homes and feels that there is not the infrastructure to accommodate the increase of families. She said: "I have concerns about this site.

"I'm worried about the access, the school places, shops and public transport.

"I'm in favor of affordable social housing - and the plans are lovely - but all of these issues need to be looked into and I don't feel they have [been] at the moment.

"I think they're great plans but it's in the wrong place."

She added: "This development could put a lot of pressure on the wildlife in the area and we need to look at this the help reduce our carbon footprint."