A DECISION on controversial plans to bring 101 homes to Stanwix is set to be made in the coming months. 

Plans for Castles and Coasts to build the new, largely 'affordable', homes on land to the east of Lansdowne Close, Carlisle, have been under consideration since it was put forward to the former council two years ago. 

On the Cumberland Council planning portal, it indicates the plans have received 813 public objections with many citing further stress on local amenities, traffic chaos and loss of environmental spaces.

In December 2023, an amended application was submitted on the original proposals. 

The revised design primarily retains the originally proposed layout, featuring the same number of plots.

However, changes have been made to accommodate the existing trees on the west and east boundaries.

The adjustments made aim to limit the impact on local wildlife and existing properties on Lansdowne Court. 

If given the green light, 86 homes of the 101 will be categorised as 'affordable housing', with the scheme itself consisting of 2, 3, and 4-bed units and 14 two-bed bungalows. 

A report states: "The proposed development would make an important contribution towards addressing affordable housing need within the parish and the wider district.

"The benefit from the delivery of a significant amount of affordable housing, above the policy requirement, should be given very substantial weight in the decision-making process."

Access for cars will be made through Raisbeck Close with Lansdowne Crescent being restricted to pedestrians and cyclists. 

According to a transport assessment: "The development proposal does not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety or a residual cumulative impact on the road network that is severe." 

Amongst the public objections, residents have said one of the fields included within the plan is not allocated for development within the Carlisle District Local Plan, which highlights site allocations for development of this nature. 

However, residents have argued that the new homes would violate the Carlisle District Local Plan, pointing out that one of the included fields has not been earmarked for development.

They also highlighted potential issues with flooding, health care provision, and education.

"Previously the Education Authority has stated a S106 contribution of circa £876,627.00 will be required, based on £574,359 for 16 primary aged children and £302,268 for 12 secondary-aged children," an objection reads. 

"S106 contributions are paramount to the provision of infrastructure, especially education.

"Numerous objections to this application have questioned the viability of the scheme and the precedent it sets, if allowed to proceed with no contribution." 

Lib dem parliamentary candidate and ward councillor, Brian Wernham, said: "This is the third time that the application has been changed to try and squeeze 101 houses into one and a half meadows.

"It's difficult to understand how this development will be created with care for local residents during construction. 

"If it does go ahead, it'll be difficult to see how residents of these houses with their 235 car parking spaces will be able to get in and out every day down the cramped and winding Raisbeck Close. 

"I'm absolutely against this development because it will create so much car traffic, with it far away from major bus routes, schools and shops," he said.