Residents are split over a major new housing development planned for Hartcliffe ahead of an exhibition of the scheme next week.

Developer Knightstone Housing Association wants to build 60 houses and flats in Bristol City Council-owned land at The Groves.

The proposal is to develop the site with one, two, three and four-bedroom houses and flats. Although an official planning application has yet to be submitted, it is proposed the estate will include some private homes to be sold through Knightstone Housing Association's commercial development company Arc Homes.

The initial plans are due to be on display at the Tenant Centre in Bishport Avenue between 3pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday, August 12.

No artist's impressions are available as yet, as the public consultation is being held to help determine the appearance of the development.

Opinion was divided among residents who live near the site.

Robert Massey, 70, of Branche Grove, said: "I think it's too much.

"They've done nothing about the land on the other side of the road, where there's nothing, but they come round the back where there's plenty of houses and flats.

"Usually the council gets its own way, so what can you say?"

But neighbour Jean Cocking, also 70, disagreed. She said: "I don't think I mind. It might stop the motorbikes we get. I've no objection, we need the housing."

The site, which is approximately 2.5 acres, was formerly the site of local authority garage courts and is now grass and scrub land, used partly as public open space.

The majority of the site is owned by the council housing department.

A small area of the adjacent parks and open spaces will also be sold as part of the overall site.

Knightstone's PR, marketing and communications manager, Lucy Dicks said: "We will be making a detailed planning application at the end of this month following next week's public consultation event.

"The scheme is included in our tailored programme currently under negotiation with the Homes and Communities Agency."