Around 300 new homes could be built in Royston if plans for a new housing development to the south of the town get the green light.

Initial consultation is now being held about the development, which would be built on farm land between Newmarket Road and Garden Walk, next to the A505.

Dan Angell from developers Tristan Fitzgerald Associates told the Crow: “We believe this is a logical, sensible, site for development.

“North Herts District Council has been promoting it through its local development plan process for some time and we think it is a good solution to the housing shortage.

“This will be the initial phase of consultation, where we talk to people and introduce the site, as well as outlining the constraints of site and the opportunities it presents.”

The land is one of a number of areas around the town earmarked for development in the district’s development plan, drawn up last year. It is owned by the Hoy family, whose land was used to build the Twigden estate development.

Mr Angell said any development could include a pub or restaurant as well as housing.

“There have been discussions about other uses of the site, and there is one particular area which we’re wondering might be suitable for a pub or restaurant as it’s just off Newmarket Road,” he said. “All these things are up for consideration.”

MP for North East Hertfordshire Oliver Heald said: “I would be very concerned about building on the land between Newmarket Road and Garden Walk because there could be issues with access to the site there that could cause problems for local residents. But until I have seen the plans I can’t comment further.”

George Leete, who lives in Royston, said: “It would spoil my view and I am worried about what they are going to do with the drainage of water there. However, I do understand the need to build more houses.”

The consultation will take place at Royston Town Hall on Melbourn Street next Thursday, July 17, and run from 1.30pm to 7.30pm. For anyone unable to attend who would like further information, the team can be contacted by phone on 0800 6122790 or email at enquiries@landoffnewmarketroad.co.uk

Exhibition material and an online questionnaire will be available the following day via www.landoffnewmarketroad.co.uk