Controversy has reigned ever since Co-operative Group revealed in 2007 that it wanted to build a 15,000-home eco-town on farmland it owns between Great Glen and Stoughton. The proposal was shortlisted as a potential site by the Government last April.

Up to now the Co-op has kept street-scene designs close to its chest – drawing criticism from opponents – but three artist's impressions were finally released for the first time on Thursday last week.

One of the watercolour-esque designs shows an expansive public square with allotments, play area and a Continental-style outdoor seating area. The three and four-storey town houses show dormer windows, gabled roofs and one with classical columns.

Another features an image of the proposed Great Park with a nearby football pitch.

Ruairidh Jackson, head of planning and property strategy for the Co-operative Group, said: "These images put a whole new perspective on the eco-town, showing how it could look and giving people a better idea of what it would be like to live there.

"There are lots of exciting ingredients all going into the eco-town and it can be hard to bring these to life – these images will help to do that."

However, protesters against the eco-town have slammed the drawings.

Kevin Feltham, chairman of the Campaign Against the Stoughton Co-op Eco-Town (Cascet), said: "I am really surprised to see car parking bays clearly marked on both sides of a street scene.

"With proposals for one car space for every two homes, I would not expect to see any cars parked on the streets, and instead they should be garaged and out of sight."

He added: "If the Co-op are going to commission and use visualisations, then they must portray the reality of their masterplan vision – massive blocks of tall apartment blocks will be evident."