GRAND plans for Droitwich's massive Yew Tree Hill development can today be revealed - 15 months after the town was rocked by the controversial go-ahead for the site.

A special public viewing is taking place next week to give people chance to see the final details of half the development, which will feature 500 homes once finished.

Council chiefs say they want as many Droitwich residents as possible to have their say - especially so because the land has been mired in controversy.

In July last year, former Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles sparked outrage by defying campaigners and overturning a refusal by Wychavon District Council on developing the site.

The project had been promoted for more than five years on behalf of Stourbridge-based developer Barberry but ran into stiff opposition, resulting in the council rejecting it.

Mr Pickles overturned it despite the land not being earmarked for development in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), a blueprint now nearing completion.

The site will feature 500 homes, a 200-bed care unit facility, community centre, cafe and other facilities on land north of Pulley Lane and Newland Lane.

After months of work a fresh planning application has now been produced by Persimmon Homes, which is developing 265 of the properties in one section of the site.

The other part of the site is being handled by Redrow Homes and Barberry.

Persimmon's bid, known as a 'reserved matters application', will focus on the scale, appearance, general layout and landscaping of its section of land.

With outline planning permission already in place the reserved matters applications - there will be one more from Redrow Homes - are the only chance left for public input.

The public viewing will be taking place inside the council chamber at St Richard's House, Victoria Square on Wednesday from 6.30pm until 9pm.

Councillor Richard Morris, who represents Droitwich South East, said: "Whilst we lost the appeal to stop the Yew Tree Hill development, it is now important that we concentrate our efforts on making sure these proposals are of the highest quality.

"That’s why we want as many people as possible to come along to view the plans."

Councillor Tony Miller, who also represents a section of land it covers, added: "We would urge people from our ward to come and view the plans and make their views known ahead of the application going to our planning committee."

Before Mr Pickles move last year, former Mid-Worcestershire MP Sir Peter Luff intervened to try and stop it being overturned.

But the development got the nod largely on the basis the SWDP was not in place, and on the basis of desperate need for new housing around Droitwich.

People living near the site say they intend to get involved to get the best outcome from the saga.

Bill Martin, 51, who lives off Tagwell Road, said: "Nobody wanted it but now it's coming you've got to get the best.

"If they get lots of trees up it'll really help."

Barberry Homes, which is working with Redrow on its part of the site, has insisted it intends to create "an exciting village community" in the area.

Wychavon District Council's planning committee is expected to take a vote on it in November.

To see the full documents online visit wychavon.gov.uk and search for the planning application using the link from the main page via the number 15/01187.

The Redrow Homes plans for the other half of the site are expected to be released later in the year.