Plans have been submitted by a Gloucestershire-based housebuilder to build 12 new homes on a field on the outskirts of Cheltenham.

Bovis Homes, who have their Western regional base in Bishop's Cleeve, have lodged the plans with Cheltenham Borough Council to develop a small parcel of land in Leckhampton.

Lying immediately next to the A46 Shurdington Road, the 0.83 hectare site this is currently used as a pasture field and lies opposite Silverthorne Close.

The current plans are for outline permission, so the exact details of the development have not been fully disclosed by Bovis.

However, documents lodged with the authority, do give details of how the site would look.

It said: "The Illustrative Masterplan provides for up to 12 new dwellings as well as the provision of open space and new landscaping.

"The new dwellings are orientated to overlook the principal street to create a sense of arrival and the basis for a safe and secure development.

"Equally, the new dwellings are orientated to provide a strong, attractive aspect to Shurdington Road.

"Existing trees and hedgerows will form a mature backdrop to the proposed scheme set within new areas of public open space or within the rear of gardens of the new dwellings.

Of the 12 dwellings, seven would be made available for private sale, four of which will be four bed properties with the remainder three beds.

The remaining five would be deemed as affordable, with a couple of two bed houses and a trio of three beds.

The plans were validated by Cheltenham Borough Council this week and will now be the subject of public consultation with residents in Leckhampton likely to have their say.

The consultation period expires on December 12 with the plans likely to be determined early in the new year.