Residents have another chance to give their views on proposals for more than 500 homes and a school – ahead of a planning application being submitted.

Persimmon Homes South Coast is behind the vast scheme earmarked for the east side of Chickerell.

Discussions to build there have been ongoing for years and the site is in the local plan for residential development.

The developer held an exhibition earlier in the year, and has now announced a new date as part of the consultation process.

Matt Paine, managing director of Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: “The proposal remains as previously exhibited and covers the erection of up to 540 dwellings.

“We are keen to engage with the community and the exhibition will provide another opportunity for people to see our proposals. We are still finalising on our planning application, which is due to be submitted this summer.

“We believe the scheme will be of great benefit to the area as it includes a primary school which is identified within the allocation policy of the local plan. Discussions have taken place with the local education authority with the required land identified for the provision of a primary school."

Mr Paine said about four hectares of public open space would also be provided, and there are plans to create wildlife habitats.

He added: “Land would be set aside for formal sports facilities in the south of the site, including football facilities with the potential for changing rooms and a skate park. Four play areas are also proposed, catering for different age groups. They would be of benefit to both the proposed development and the surrounding community.

“A new main spine road is also proposed to run through the site, connecting School Hill in the north to the Chickerell Link Road to the south. The road is to be designed to be a suitable width to be used as a bus route and to incorporate a cycle way. This would significantly improve accessibility to the south of Chickerell to the town centre.”

It is also proposed that the development would provide around 180 affordable houses in the form of affordable rented and shared ownership tenures.

* The exhibition will be held on Friday, June 21, at the Willbowbed Hall, Putton Lane, Chickerell, from 2pm to 8pm.