A CONSULTATION into the building of 561 new dwellings plus a new primary school is set to begin in Whitchurch, according to a letter delivered to residents.

The letter, sent by consultancy agency Avison Young, say the consultation is ahead of an application to come from Barratt David Wilson Homes (BDWH) for the 561 properties, a primary school, open spaces, a football and cricket pitch, plus more.

It is set for land west of Tilstock Road, meaning it will be close to both Whitchurch Cricket Club and Sir John Talbot School, and the consultation is ahead of any formal planning application.

According to the letter, the proposal is a variation on a planning application that secured permission in 2015 and will not be added more land, despite an increase in the number of dwellings.

It said: "BDWH is preparing an application which will seek full, detailed planning permission for approximately 561 dwellings, a primary school, open spaces, equipped play area, football pitches and a cricket pitch with associated car parking and changing facilities on the site.

Whitchurch Herald: The proposed building site.The proposed building site. (Image: Google maps.)

"The proposals will deliver broadly the same mix of uses and publicly accessible open spaces, play areas, provision of playing pitches and other green infrastructure as contemplated by the Local Plan housing allocation for this site and the illustrative masterplan that accompanied the outline application, that the Council granted planning permission for in 2015.

"You should note the additional 61 dwellings that this scheme will deliver will not require additional land or increase the site's developable area.

"Instead, it will be achieved by increasing the density of development in certain parts of the site."

The letter explained the site earmarked for the dwellings and the other works is currently agricultural.

It added: "The site comprises an irregular shaped parcel of land, which is located to the west of Tilstock Road, on the southern edge of Whitchurch.

"The site is currently in agricultural use; however, it is allocated for residential development in the adopted Local Plan.

"It is bound by mature hedgerows and trees.

"It is bounded to the north by a disused railway embankment, further north is residential development.

"The north eastern boundary of the site is bounded by Whitchurch Cricket Club and two properties.

"Tilstock Road and Sir John Talbot's Secondary School are located southeast of the site.

"Agricultural land is located to the east and south of the site."

The consultation for nearby residents will end on September 14 with plans expected to be formally submitted after that is completed.