A 2,000-home development on the edge of Worcester will bring significant economic benefits to the area, say developers.

The scheme, by Welbeck Strategic Land, was approved last week by Malvern Hills District Council, although is also takes in land covered by Wychavon and Worcester City councils.

The urban extension will be located between the St Peter’s area of Worcester and Kempsey, near the villages of Norton and Whittington,

Alistair Watson, managing director of Welbeck, said: "This was a challenging project which involved multiple landowners, three district councils and numerous stakeholders.

"We are delighted that, after five years of planning negotiations and community engagement members have resolved to grant consent."

Michael Davies, planning director at Savills Birmingham, Welbeck's agent, said: “We are happy with the outcome, a result of determination and close working with planning officers which will allow this scheme to come to fruition.

"We believe that the scheme – a green suburb which will combine the best of town and country – will provide a welcome range of dwelling types for existing and future residents.”

“The urban extension will bring with it a substantial contribution to the housing provision in South Worcestershire as well as significant economic benefits in terms of investment in a range of community facilities and major new infrastructure.

"In addition to significant investment in a new southern link road, the area will also benefit from the new Worcestershire Parkway station which is due to open in spring 2019 providing direct links to Birmingham and London.”

The development will provide 2,204 new homes alongside a neighbourhood centre with a primary school, shops, a health centre, care home, community facilities and space for a range of new businesses.

The proposal includes a link to the area’s agricultural past which will be maintained by focusing the local centre around the historic farm buildings of Middle Broomhall Farm and re-introducing orchards along with allotments, community gardens and areas for gathering wild food.

A green infrastructure framework will connect the residential neighbourhoods to the countryside and include space for woodland and wetland habitats, recreation, sports and food production.