Plans for 620 homes and school near Gloucester

The site is next to the M5, a railway line and the A38

Initial plans to build 620 homes and a new school on the outskirts of Gloucester have been submitted.

Developers Crest Nicholson want to build the new estate on more than 66 acres of agricultural land in Hardwicke.

The scheme includes a secondary school and a new town park, according to the outline planning application.

The developer's planning document submitted to Stroud District Council said: "The site offers an opportunity to deliver an integrated, vibrant and legible extension to Hunts Grove."

A public consultation is running until Christmas Day with a decision is set to be made by 27 February, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Developers say the site is well placed within the existing transport network with road connections via the A38 to Gloucester and the M5 to the Midlands and South West.

The document said: "The whole community will enjoy convenient access to a new park which is proposed alongside Haresfield Lane at the heart of Hunts Grove.

"This open space will act as a hub for the integrated Green Infrastructure which will be extended across the additional development area. The park will also retain in-situ much of the site's archaeology.

"The proposed development will follow the established Hunts Grove movement principles.

"It will incorporate a distinctive street hierarchy, including a tree-lined primary street designed to accommodate a bus service, as well as a network of recreational foot/cycle routes and a play trail."

The developer added the outline planning application had been designed to integrate with and provide a "logical, sustainable extension" to Hunts Grove.