A public consultation has opened on controversial plans to build 250 new homes in an area of Shrewsbury.

Persimmon Homes wants to create the new properties on a development site off Shillingston Drive, in Berwick Grange, and has now put in an official planning application to Shropshire Council. But angry residents have been campaigning against the plans since they were made public earlier this year.

They now have the opportunity to air their views on the proposals to the council, with a period of public consultation open until August 15.

Persimmon is planning to build 250 homes on the land, with 50 of the properties designated to be affordable housing.

The proposals also include the formation of an eco-park adjacent to the residential development, which the company says would be made up of a series of wetland areas, open space and informal play areas.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the development said that Persimmon believes the new development would offer a wide variety of property types to potential owners.

“The choice ranges from townhouses at the vibrant heart of the development, to detached villas living on the woodland edge or a cottage with a more rural aspect,” it said.

“Whilst physical development cannot make a cohesive community in itself, it can offer the framework in which a community can develop, thrive and become vibrant.

“This masterplan does just that and will create a neighbourhood which is outward looking, part of Shrewsbury’s wider townscape, integrated into Shrewsbury’s existing fabric and be something the town can be proud of in terms of new development.”

But the plans are set to be opposed by the Berwick and Battlefield Residents’ Group, who have claimed the development is not a suitable one for their area.

They have previously drawn up a 10-point list of objections to the proposals, stating concerns about the proximity of the development land to the Lion Coppice, as well as increased traffic in the area as a result of the new properties.

On their campaign website, lioncoppice.org the group expressed their determination to ensure the plans never come to fruition.

“A comprehensive and robust case will be made for rejecting the application,” the website said.