Ambitious plans to transform an old Newport steelworks site into a new community could be submitted by the end of the week, Lizzie Smith and Rebecca Thomson report

The proposals for the former Llanwern steelworks site - one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK - are expected to create up to 6,000 jobs and also include 4,000 homes, two schools, a district centre, sports fields, shops, offices and restaurants.

A planning application is expected to be submitted this week by the developers, St Modwen, and it is likely Newport city council will consider it in the summer.

St Modwen say that if permission is granted work could start as soon as later this year.

The 600-acre site stretches from Newport Retail Park in the west to Corus' new Llanwern site in the east.

Plans for 4,000 new homes - which could be phased over the next 20 years - include affordable homes and special housing for the elderly.

These would be arranged in a series of neighbourhoods and hamlets, all within walking distance of facilities such as shops and schools.

There are also plans for two new primary schools and a district centre, which would include multi-purpose community facilities.

St Modwen also promise to improve the existing road network so it links with the new community, and will introduce bus links to Newport city centre.

The buildings would be arranged to leave areas of open space, including sports fields and play areas, with cycle paths and footpaths.

Landscaping would include creating three lakes and planting trees. St Modwen say they have assessed the environmental impact as "positive", and add that the development will not increase the flood risk.

Members of the public can view the plans and ask the project team questions at two exhibitions: on April 3 from 2pm to 8pm at the exam hall of the University of Wales College Newport's Allt-yr-yn campus; and on April 4 from 10am to 5pm at the Newport Centre in Newport.

You can also view the proposals as www.llanwernregeneration.info, and comment by calling the freephone 0800 169 6507.