UP TO 5,000 new homes could be built as part of plans to transform Plymouth's northern gateway into a new urban centre.

More than 120,000 square metres of employment space would be created as science, technology and medical jobs are expanded.

New jobs could come in nursing, administration and hospitality, according to the draft of an action plan for Derriford and Seaton.

Residents and businesses are being asked for their comments on Plymouth City Council's ambitious plans.

A six-week consultation exercise will begin in February on plans to transform the area into a community that will be a new heart for the north of the city.

The plan, the latest in Plymouth's local development framework, includes proposals for new healthcare and leisure facilities and a district shopping centre.

After years of debates over a replacement for Seaton pool, which was demolished in 2006, the action plan offers a small crumb of comfort by offering "new and improved leisure and recreation opportunities, including extending public use of the swimming pool at Marjon".

It promises to create a new community park incorporating parts of the Forder and Bircham valleys.

Derriford would get improved pedestrian and public transport links and new road layouts.

The area is already home to the city's hospital, airport and major employment areas, as well as University College Plymouth St Mark and St John.

The draft area action plan seeks to create two new residential neighbourhoods – one in Derriford and another in the Seaton area – each with its own schools, shops, restaurants, open spaces and community facilities, as well as a strong, vibrant sense of community.

"We already have developers who are showing interest in the area," Ted Fry, the city council deputy leader, said yesterday.

Mr Fry, the city's Cabinet member for planning, regeneration and economic growth, said: "There are major development opportunities to transform this area into a more vibrant and sustainable community which will connect surrounding neighbourhoods and act as a new centre for the northern part of the city.

"We hope that lots of local residents and businesses will share their views on these exciting proposals."

John Dixon, the council's spatial planning co-ordinator, who wrote the report, said: "We are trying to raise the game a bit in the north. At the moment Derriford has a lot of isolated uses not very well linked.

"We would like to improve the planning and urban design so that people want to go there – other than as hospital patients.

He said the Seaton developments, in particular, could include "eco homes" and self-build schemes.

"We will have to put in place some fairly radical transport measures. These could include a new road link from Seaton to Forder Valley, and we would reconfigure the main Derriford roundabout.

"The plans require major improvements to public transport through Derriford and Seaton, and down the A386. We are trying to encourage car clubs and car sharing."

Mr Dixon said there was a need to limit parking in Derriford, particularly surface parking. "At the moment Derriford does look as though it's covered in car parks."

More cycle ways and footpaths would be provided in an attempt to limit the number of car journeys people make.

Alison Seabeck, the MP for the area, said: "You can't put up 5,000 new homes without a well thought out transport plan. The city could benefit from more cycle ways."

Ms Seabeck said the plans were long overdue. "It could be quite exciting. The self-build ideas would be fascinating and we do need to look at innovative approaches to housing. I would want to see the highest environmental standards and I can't see the point of building houses in the old way."

She said housing demand in Derriford was quite diverse, with families, younger people, and students at Marjon, and the homes built had to reflect that, with adequate provision of affordable housing to buy and to rent.

Tudor Evans, the Labour group leader on Plymouth City Council, said: "I'm breathing a huge sigh of relief that the Conservatives are not proposing to abandon the concept.

"The new centre in the north is absolutely vital, but the real issue is the pace of development.

"At a time of vulnerability for the city centre, can Plymouth afford to start developing a potential rival?

"I know these things take time and the sooner we get on with the growth of the city the better."

Click here to view a full sized map of the new town

What else does the plan contain?

OTHER elements of the draft Derriford and Seaton area action plan include:

Expanding healthcare facilities, with a new entrance for Derriford Hospital, a new children's hospital, and a new independent hospital, the Centre for Clinical Excellence.

Providing two new primary schools and enhancing further education facilities.

Improving Plymouth Airport by reconfiguring the airport layout, improving access and relocating the engine testing facility to minimise noise.

Encouraging sustainable travel and reducing congestion by improving pedestrian, cycle and public transport links, and potentially restricting new car parking facilities.

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Providing high-quality green spaces and making the most of the local area's scenic views and historic environment, for example by providing a "treetop walkway" and raising the profile of the nearby Palmerston forts.

Smaller local shopping centres that people who live and work in Derriford and Seaton can walk or cycle to.

New footpath links are being proposed to link the possible development at the southern part of the airport, with Powisland Drive and the new district centre with the eastern side of the A386 and the hospital.

The hospital would be linked by footpath with the new health facilities on the opposite side of Bircham Valley.

The new Seaton local centre would link to Estover, across the community park.

New homes will exploit up-to-date technologies for generating and using energy.

The Government has said that all new homes in England and Wales must be zero carbon by 2016.

New buildings should have appropriate technology that makes use of low carbon energy sources including renewables and be constructed so they consume energy efficiently.

This means they must have appropriate insulation and be oriented to exploit passive solar heating or reduce the impact of wind.

When will the plan be considered?

CABINET members will consider the draft area action plan next Monday, and members of the public will be able to comment on the changes from Friday February 6 until Monday, March 23.

During this time people will be able to make representations online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ldf or by filling in one of the feedback forms available from the Civic Centre, local libraries and local housing offices. There will also be consultation events around the city.

A final version of the plan will be prepared, taking into account the comments received, and submitted to the Government for inspection later in the year.

Find out more at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ldfgetinvolved