Shoppers were invited to consult on plans for a new major housing development in Ashford today.

The public exhibition was held in the County Square shopping centre, off the High Street, and displayed artist impressions of the proposed new homes designed for the brownfield site off Victoria Way.

The plans include building more than 600 new flats, including a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, plus 25 houses on the former Powergen site.

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If approved, the scheme would provide modern living for around 900 people, just a short walk from the town's international station.

Developers are hoping the project will attract London commuters - as part of efforts to boost the local economy.

Video: A public exhibition was held to show plans for a major housing development.

Dan Marsden from Quinn Estates, who are behind the project, said: "We are looking to transform a fairly ugly brownfield site to a real destination for people to live in Ashford.

"We are turning something from nothing basically into a target destination for 900 economically active people to live, right by the train station. We are hoping to draw people from London to spend money in Ashford."

He added that they are aiming to submit a planning application to Ashford Borough Council within the next few weeks.

The project received mixed opinions from viewers however.

One visitor, from South Willesborough, supported the plans, adding that Ashford needed more housing, and liked the modern look.

He said: "I think it will be good to bring more people into town."

Another shopper however feared that the height of the apartment blocks would obscure views of Victoria Park.

The land earmarked for this development has been vacant for several years.

In 2008, developers Zed Homes was granted outline planning permission to develop it, which included plans for 1,000 homes, commercial floorspace including a supermarket and a multi-story car park.

These latest proposals are part of the regeneration planned for Ashford town, which also includes a new cinema, hotel, bars and restaurants, modern college and a commercial quarter.