PLANS to create what could become the largest green development in the UK on a 25-acre plot of land in south Bristol have been put forward.

The BS3 Campus project could be Bedminster's answer to the eco-homes development in St Werburgh's.

The swathe of land set to be transformed includes the site of demolished council-owned flats, housing association flats, open space and the former Marksbury Road College site.

David Parkes, the chartered surveyor leading the BS3 Campus initiative, has submitted his plans to the three joint owners of the land.

He believes his plans will regenerate and breathe new life into south Bristol – offering an alternative to the land becoming swallowed up by a low-quality housing estate.

Mr Parkes says the proposals would save most of the park land and wild life habitat – known locally as the Northern Slopes – from commercial development. Under his plans, the college would be transformed into a new "sustainable village", with college buildings being reused for the benefit of the community.

Much of the green space would be protected and enhanced, and affordable housing and self-build homes similar to those at The Yard development in St Werburgh's would be created.

Under the plans, the village would feature several areas of co-housing – where private homes are combined with shared facilities for residents.

A new health centre, community cafe, shops, workshops, studios, community allotments, sports facilities and possibly a new school are included in the plans.

Mr Parkes, who has overseen the formation of a Community Interest Company as part of the project, said: "It is time to stop using the same old development models that don't work and offer nothing for the community.

"This is an amazing opportunity to show what could be achieved in an area that is crying out for positive regeneration.

"Bristol City Council, who have recently set up the Bristol Community Land Trust, should be demonstrating their commitment to this model.

"If the principles behind the Government's Localism Bill and Big Society relate to community empowerment and involvement, challenging old models, cutting through red tape, and helping people to help themselves then this is exactly what we aspire to achieve through bringing forward this vision.

"Simply selling this off to the highest bidder makes no sense. This could be the largest sustainable development of its type in the UK and we urge the landowners to get behind this."

The joint owners of the land have already held early talks with big-name housebuilders about how they would develop the site.

But the door has also been left open to smaller organisations to suggest less conventional approaches to regenerating the land.

The 25-acre site includes the site of demolished council-owned flats in Torpoint Road and Kingswear Road, the Knightstone Housing Association flats in Torpoint Road, the Marksbury Road College site owned by the Homes & Communities Agency, and open space in Torpoint Road.

The joint owners of the land have announced plans to sell the site by tender next year.

For further information, visit www.bs3campus.org.uk.