A FORMER Mayor of Worcester says the city's boundaries "may well" need to be expanded - to avoid losing out on millions in new funding.

Councillor Roger Knight says he fears areas like St Peter's could become swamped with extra traffic and demands on key services without getting enough benefits.

It comes with the area facing up to a major 'super village', with around 2,600 properties due to be built on acres of fields off Broomhall Way.

The massive overhaul, which could take 15 years to build, took another step forward last week when 255 homes were given planning permission as part of it.

The issue of the city's boundary is expected to become a political hot potato over the next few years because of the circumstances of Worcester's future development prospects.

The south Worcester 'super village' actually stretches across land that crosses all three district council boundaries in Worcester, Malvern and Wychavon in a sprawling urban extension.

But the bulk of the site sits just outside Worcester, meaning the city would stand to lose out on council tax income unless the boundaries are revised.

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The acres of fields are bounded by the A4440, Norton Road, Broomhall, the M5 and the River Severn with developers Welbeck Land, Seven Capital and St Modwen all preparing to build on different sections of the site.

Both that scheme and another 'west Worcester' urban extension for 2,150 homes form part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), a blueprint lasting until 2030.

Cllr Knight said: "What I am saying is that the need for one (a boundary review) may well emerge following on from the substantial new planned developments close to the boundary of Worcester city.

"The South Worcestershire Development Plan will rely on the infrastructure of Worcester and put a strain on the city.

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"It (the south Worcester super village) will have an impact in St Peter's as well, but where will the finance come from to meet the demands that will inevitably come about?"

In recent months Worcester City Council's planning committee has voiced concern about the super village's various elements coming forward on a 'piecemeal' basis.

The entire development also includes a GP surgery, primary school, parks, retail units, a sports centre, open space and possibly a hotel.

As well as the 255 homes on the site which was approved by councillors in Malvern last week, a proposal for 81 properties on the Ketch car boot has outline planning permission and a bid for 98 homes on Aston's coach depot, which also forms part of the super village, will be made imminently.