PLANS to build scores of new homes on the site of Shrewsbury Town FC’s former ground have been submitted to Shropshire Council.

David Wilson Homes wants to build 179 dwellings, including 62 houses and 117 apartments, on the Gay Meadow site off Abbey Foregate.

Developers are also seeking permission to build parking areas and communal gardens on the 2.89 hectare site.

Shrewsbury Town occupied the site from 1910 until 2007 when it moved to its new home in Oteley Road.

The stadium has since been demolished.

Shrewsbury Living took to the streets to ask residents for their opinion on the plans for the historic site.

Neil Jones, from Shrewsbury, said: “I don’t think there’s a need for housing in Shrewsbury, there’s far too many already.

“It should be a boost for businesses in the area though – they will undoubtedly benefit from more people.”

Andrew Connell, from Bellevue, said: “It doesn’t bother me one way or the other, but people need somewhere to live. What are they going to do with it otherwise? It’s an ideal location for a football pitch but they tried that.”

Brett Coombs, from Shrewsbury, said: “I think Shrewsbury does need more affordable housing. It’s better for them to do something good with the site than leave it as it is.”

Joanne Kearns, from Shrewsbury, said: “I think it will be good, especially for young people looking to buy their first home.

“It’s doing nothing at the moment and a lot of people are looking for houses. It’s the best idea for the site.”

Mark Layton, of Mount Pleasant, said: “They have to do something with it, they can’t leave it as it is. When they first knocked it (the stadium) down, I heard they were planning to build a supermarket.

“I think we’ve got enough of those so houses seems to be the best bet.”

Public consultation on the plans runs until August 18. Go to www.shropshire.gov.uk to make your comments.