More than 300 residents attend consultation over 170 new homes in Stafford

More than 300 people attended a consultation organised by developers after nearby residents demanded to see a master plan for the major housing development.

Bellway Homes and Taylor Wimpey plan to build 170 homes on the Castlefields site, near Stafford Castle.

The proposed development site covers 97 hectares to the south of Doxey Road, bordered by the M6 to the west and Stafford Castle Golf Club to the south.

The site will also include a new primary school and local shopping centre and is part of a wider project to build 2,200 houses in Doxey by 2031.

The consultation was held on Monday (Jan 19) at St Thomas and St Andrew's Church and residents were able to view artist impressions, master plan frameworks and infrastructure strategies as well as speak to developers directly.

Doxey's Borough Councillor Isabella Davies said: "I was delighted so many people from Doxey and neighbouring areas took the opportunity to comment on this master plan which we have fought for so hard."

Parish councillor Neil Thomas added: "It seems incredible that borough planners were insisting only seven weeks ago that no such consultation was necessary. The 300 and more people who turned up on Monday obviously thought otherwise.

"The real test of how useful it has been will be to see what changes are made as a result of people's comments. Parts of Bellway's proposals are far from welcome but Monday's superb turnout was a very encouraging start to a new dialogue.

"I am also glad the closing date for comments has been extended to February 9, giving people plenty of time to make their views known."

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy also attended the event and said: "I was really pleased to see so many people at the exhibition. It shows that there is serious local concern that this development must be done right and with the proper infrastructure put into place. I have and continue to make the point that strategic plans are vital to ensure that all development is done in an organised and structured way."

Mother of two, Sam, Thelwell from Reed Drive, Castleview said: "I think the plans for new homes are really good and I think development of the area will be beneficial to Stafford.

The 40-year old added: "My main concern is the transport links. Stafford is already a bottle neck. Regeneration is welcomed but our roads also need to be well equipped."

Doxey residents can view the exhibition again today from 4pm at the Church of St Thomas and St Andrew. The proposals will also be discussed at a public parish meeting tonight.