A MAJOR consultation exercise to gather the views of people on controversial plans to develop an area of land to the south of Droitwich has started.

Wychavon District Council has launched a three-week consultation on the proposal to build about 800 homes in the Yew Tree Hill area following the submission of a planning application.

The scheme, which is a joint venture between developers Barberry, Persimmon Homes and Exeter College, proposes to develop land south of Primsland Way down towards Pulley Lane to the south of the town.

The development would provide about 800 new homes, a care facility, public open space and recreation areas and transport links.

Vehicle access to the site could be from two points on Pulley Lane.

The official three-week consultation exercise will begin as soon as public notices have been put on display. However, views can already be put forward online at the planning section of wychavon.gov.uk and by searching for application number W/11/01073.

The plans have caused concern in the town and a campaign group has been set up to try to stop the development.

Concerned members of Save Our Green Open Space have highlighted the issue further by launching their own website in time for the consultation exercise.

The site provides links for people who wish to find out more about the proposals and to explain how residents can lodge their views on the plans to relevant agencies.

Spurred on by their concern at the plans to build on open space, group members have launched saveyewtreehill.org.uk. They are also keen to encourage people to log onto the Facebook page Droitwich Unite against Yew Tree Village where people can share stories and pictures of how they currently use Yew Tree Hill.