HERE is the initial plan of what Grove Farm would look like if plans for a business park become reality.

The Worcester News revealed yesterday how the tranquil site - currently 19 hectares of greenery - is set to be built over to create employment space for 3,000 workers.

A residents group of 200 members - the Grove Farm Residents Voice - reacted furiously to the plans because it feels the development would cause congestion and pollution problems.

The city council wants to use the site for employment land to boost Worcester's economy.

The plan, released by the council, shows where the units would be placed around the park - with 20 office blocks designed for commercial companies around the edges of the field and one section earmarked for seven manufacturing firm units.

A cycle path would be created to encourage green travel to work while a public footpath would be created for the public.

Based off Meadowbank Drive near to St John's, it is surrounded by trees and would keep the three ponds popular with fishing enthusiasts.

It would take the manpower of 900 workers just to construct. The 'buffer zones' around the edges of the park are earmarked for 1,800 parking spaces. There is no time scale for the project yet because of the sheer size of it.

It is under public consultation until Thursday, March 30, and will then undergo a 16-week city council assessment.

City council Leader Stephen Coun Stephen Inman has welcomed plans to create employment land, but most councillors refused to comment because they might have to sit on a planning committee to discuss the issue and want to remain impartial.

Coun Lucy Hodgson - who will not sit on the committee - said: "I support this project in principle. I think it's important we listen to residents' concerns and try and get the best design possible, and take into account environment factors."

Spen Hill Developers Ltd - a subsidiary of food giant Tesco - has submitted the ambitious plans.

Dan Bramwell, on behalf of the company, said: "We are at the very early stages with this project. It could take years to complete, so there is no time scale for it yet. It's very much a long term project that will provide substantial employment in Worcester."