A HOUSING developing which is expected to be approved has been criticised by a Cumbria county councillor.

The application to build 33 homes at the bottom of Stainton Road, Carlisle, has been recommended for approval when it goes to the Development Control meeting on July 23.

Gareth Ellis said: “ If residents are to have confidence in the planning system, they need to feel that they are part of it.

“I’m calling on the development control committee to reject this application.

“This development, it is felt by many, is the first stage of an inevitable much wider series of developments.”

Mr Ellis, Councillor for Belah, said: “This site is not allocated for housing in Carlisle’s planning documents, it lacks the suitable infrastructure and appears to be a Trojan horse for a much wider development down there.

“I’m calling on the development control committee to reject this application, the application requires extensive changes to the highway to cope with the extra traffic and will have a negative impact on the area for nearby residents.

“Along with many residents in the area, I am disappointed that it has received a positive recommendation.”