Bosses in U-turn after consultation over controversial plans for 170 homes in Stafford

Bellway Homes is to hold an exhibition of the master plan it has drawn up with Taylor Wimpey for Castlefields, off Stafford town centre. The proposed estate, south of Doxey, is the first phase of a scheme for 2,200 houses on the site by 2031.

The project is included in Stafford Borough Council's local plan. Just four months ago, Bellway and council planning officers insisted no such blueprint master plan was needed. But a petition with more than 650 signatures opposing the development was handed to council bosses. Protesters demanded a master plan and at least four weeks public consultation.

The council performed a U-turn on the master plan but said no further community consultation was needed on it.

But now, developers are arranging an exhibition of their proposals. Details have yet to be confirmed but the event is expected to be held at the Church of St Thomas and St Andrew at Doxey. Taylor Wimpey has provisionally booked the church hall from noon to 7pm on Friday, January 23.

Doxey parish councillor Neil Thomas, who helped raise the petition, said: "This is a wonderful New Year gift for people in Doxey and neighbouring areas and it is all the more welcome for coming from an unexpected source.

"It does not mean that all our differences with Bellway are over but it opens up the chance of constructive dialogue about how the development will be carried out."

Doxey's borough councillor Isabella Davies who called-in the application amid traffic fears, said: "People will be able to make their voices heard so that we can ensure this is a high quality development. I hope lessons have been learned by Bellway and borough planners who have both tried to cut corners in community involvement in a major planning decision."

Councillor Davies, who called in the plan, was particularly concerned about the impact on the existing and future road network.