THE London-based firm drawing up plans for at least 1,000 homes on the edge of Hereford has been accused of shutting residents out.

Sarah Watkins was among 250 people who attended a three-day community planning weekend held by John Thompson & Partners to outline ideas for the huge development in Three Elms.

Should it be approved, a large patch of employment land and a new primary school would also be built on the near-100 hectare plot owned by the Church Commissioners for England.

A planning application won't be submitted until the autumn, but Mrs Watkins, who lives in Kings Acre, feels the bid is already a done deal.

"It seemed more like a tick-box exercise," she said.

"I don't feel as though there has been a genuine opportunity to feedback. It felt we were being steered in one direction; like they have already come up with their plans and this is just tokenistic. It feels as though they are shutting us out."

Mrs Watkins, 42, said she would be willing to engage in "genuine consultation", adding she appreciates the need for further city homes.

A group of residents have since formed the Three Elms Community Group to voice their concerns. Many say they have not been consulted properly.

"I do understand that housing is needed," added Mrs Watkins who says her main concern is the increase in traffic.

"I know of people in need of affordable housing, but I think Kings Acre is such a special area. People say they jog here, walk their dog here. I want that distinctive area to stay."

She said she hopes the homes will be eco-friendly and feature plenty of space between them.

JTP produced an illustrative masterplan following the community event which included plans for Huntington Lane to be pedestrianised.

The Church Commissioners said the feedback they received from the planning weekend will "influence how this development is delivered".

"Residents were invited to participate in two days of workshops to discuss issues and opportunities in relation to this proposal, as well as to assist in the drawing up of an illustrative masterplan for the site," said the Commissioners in a statement.

"We continue to welcome community feedback as the proposals develops and will be holding an exhibition presenting the proposals prior to the submission of an outline planning application in autumn 2015."