ALMOST 10,000 homes could be built on greenfield sites around the edge of Worcester over the next 15 years, completely transforming the face of the city.

Plans have also been put forward to create a north west link road stretching through Broadheath, Hallow and North Claines to deal with the traffic.

Proposals have been announced to rip up the old council boundaries and build over land belonging to Malvern Hills and Wychavon district councils to try and cope with the future expansion of Worcester.

No fewer than 11 greenfield sites to the north, east and south of the city have been earmarked for homes.

Green Belt in Little Eastbury, Bevere and St Peter's are three areas that could be developed.

The county council, city council, Malvern Hills and Wycavon district councils have all been working together to draw up the proposals.

The development is not just confined to homes - schools, supermarkets, community centres and retail units could sit on the sites too.

A massive public consultation lasting two years is now set to start on the proposals.

Council bosses have promised there will be plenty of opportunity for the public to have a say on the sites and issued a `don't panic' message through the Worcester News.

The plans - drawn up by independent consultants - is a direct response to Government policy, which wants Worcester to grow at a faster rate.

This is the first step in a long process, which is set to last a generation.

There will be three separate consultation periods over the next two years, which will be publicised heavily by all local authorities.