Residents have raised concerns about the state of a road serving housing estates and a mental health unit while plans are underway to build another 157 homes nearby.

Sean Reed told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the pothole filled Cumwhinton Drive is already unsuitable for the 180 homes Taylor Wimpey has built nearby and that residents are concerned as approval has been given for outline plans to build a further 157 homes.

The road serves the Carleton Clinic mental health facility as well as the existing and proposed new homes.

Mr Reed said: “No more homes should be built until that road is sorted.”

Taylor Wimpey has been compelled by Cumbria County Council, as highways authority, to resurface the road but residents are concerned about how long the proposals will take.

“The concern is there’ll be another 157 homes this year and it’ll be a complete mess.

“This and other issues in the area has led me to stand for election, I’ve been knocking on doors and everybody said ‘sort that road out.’”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: “We understand the frustration of residents regarding the current condition of Cumwhinton Drive.

“We are in the process of finalising a programme of reconstruction works which will provide a permanent solution to the pothole issues, but in the meantime, we have appointed a contractor to undertake temporary works to the road surface.

“We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause.”

The housebuilder expects to carry out temporary improvements to Cumwhinton Drive in the coming weeks.

Carlisle City Council is the local planning authority but recommendations are made by Cumbria County Council has the authority for highways.

In its comments on Taylor Wimpey’s 180 homes planning application, the county council said: “The Transport assessment shows that this site will have no real impact on the surrounding network.”