Architects' illustration of a typical street in the proposed development

South Hams District Council revealed its latest scheme for the Sherford Valley on Thursday before launching a six-week public consultation on Friday.

The plans currently envisage a community just south of the A38 at Deep Lane, but extending south to the outskirts of Elburton.

An application for outline planning permission is expected in September.

The council wants to create a sustainable community with half of the homes affordable for local people.

The idea is that over the next 15 or 20 years a number of fields in the Sherford Valley will grow into a new community of four linked neighbourhoods.

The council is determined that Sherford will be a flagship development Lee Bray, South Hams District Council Tell BBC Devon what you think

The plan created by the district council, Plymouth City Council, developer Red Tree, the Prince's Foundation, Devon County Council, and many other public sector bodies, has been refined over several years.

South Hams District Council's Lee Bray said: "The council is determined that Sherford will be a flagship development, highly sustainable, well designed, balanced and inclusive and, most importantly, delivering a large number of affordable homes."

The first houses could appear there by the end of 2008 and by 2016 Sherford could be home to 8500 people, a town the size of Totnes.

Five years later that could swell to 12,000.

Members of the public can see the plans from Friday when a six-week consultation period begins.

The master plan will now be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination.