ONE of the biggest housing developments proposed in Malvern for decades will be exposed to public scrutiny next week.

On Wednesday, developers Gleeson Strategic Land and Welbeck Strategic Land LLP will be holding a public exhibition of plans to build up to 800 homes at Newland.

Gleeson's interest in the site, bounded by Lower Howsell Road, the railway line and Worcester Road, has been known for several years, and the land is allocated for housing under the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

On Wednesday, the developers are hosting an exhibition at St Leonard's Chapel in Newland, from 4pm to 8pm, where more detailed information will be on show.

As well as housing, the developers say the site will provide employment land, community facilities, a new cemetery, playing fields

and other open spaces and parks, representing an investment of over £100 million.

Alistair Watson of Welbeck said: “We hope residents will visit the exhibition to find out more and discuss the proposals with the team. Our aim is to deliver an attractive development, in keeping with the setting."

Heather Jeavons, chairman of Newland Parish Council said: "Our main concern is that the infrastructure, all the roads, the gas and electricity, schools etc, must be in place before the houses are built.

"It's also worrying that the only access is off the Newland roundabout. They are proposing to replace the roundabout with one three times the size, taking up half the existing highways depot.

"But it's still the only access for 800 homes and all the businesses on the new estate. Anyone who knows Malvern knows the congestion we already get on the roads leading up to the roundabout, so with all the extra traffic, it's going to be a nightmare."

Bob Tilley of Malvern Civic Society, said: "Access and design are our two major concerns. The single access off the roundabout is worrying. And as far as design goes, we would like to work with Gleeson to make sure it's done right."

He said that the civic society had visited planned communities such as the Prince of Wales's Poundbury in Dorchester and the Bournville Village Trust's Lightmoor in Telford, and would like to see similar principles adopted here.

"This is certainly one of the biggest applications in Malvern for decades, and we hope that Gleeson carry out a proper consultation and not just a public relation exercise."

No planning application has yet been sent in to Malvern Hills District Council, but one is being prepared.

Those who can't attend the event can see the exhibition at sustainablemalvern.co.uk from Thursday.