The construction of thousands of new houses is being proposed

Cardiff Council's vision over the next 13 years includes using brownfield sites for an estimated 16,800 new houses.

It is hoped that building on these previously developed areas will mean fewer houses will have to be constructed on greenbelt land.

It also proposes four major highway schemes including a new M4 interchange at Thornhill.

City residents have been invited to view the proposals, and have until December to submit any objections.

Council officials say the ideas - the unitary development plan - are "upbeat" and have followed extensive public consultation.

It is normal that any plan of this nature will have a significant number of objections Julian Steadman, Cardiff Council

Julian Steadman, the council's strategic planning manager said: "This is a very upbeat and positive plan which will help us to take on board our aspirations for the city.

"But it is normal that any plan of this nature will have a significant number of objections from people," he said.

The plans outline several key proposals:

• 16,800 new homes by 2016
• Land between Lisvane and Pontprennau for 4,000 new homes
• Industry and warehousing on land at Wentloog and St Mellons
• Seven 'action areas' set up for land development
• Better rail and bus provisions
• Four major highways schemes including an eastern Bay link, a St Mellons - Wentloog link, an Ely spur and a Thornhill M4 interchange
• Greenbelt areas at Caerphilly mountain and the Newport boundary
• Protected special landscape areas will be Caerphilly mountain, the Garth - Pentyrch, St Fagans - Ely Valley, Wentloog and Flatholm

New housing has been identified as one of the most important needs of the city.

"There is a demand for new houses across Cardiff and we are required to provide affordable housing," said Mr Steadman.

"And in these plans we set out how we intend to develop 60% of the housing on brownfield sites.

"The new houses will hopefully mean that demand for new houses on greenfield sites will be lowered."

He said that alongside new houses, issues such as schools and public transport would be also be addressed.

"We are going to try to make these places as much of a community as possible," he said.

"We are also setting out certain areas in the proposals as greenbelt areas to preserve the beauty of the city," he added.

The plans can be viewed at County Hall and City Hall and at libraries throughout the city as well as on the council's website.