A business park planned for green fields on the outskirts of Worcester might not be the jobs bonanza first expected.

The developer behind the Grove Farm project has warned in a letter to people whose homes are near the site that it could bring 900 jobs rather than the 3,000 to 4,000 initially suggested.

The business park, which would include 27 office blocks and industrial units off Meadowbank Drive, St John's, is one of the biggest regeneration schemes in Worcester. Developer Spen Hill Developments and Worcester City Council say the final jobs tally will depend on the type of firms that move there.

Many householders are worried about the increased traffic and pollution the park would generate.

Outline approval for Grove Farm is due to go before the city council's planning committee on Thursday. Detailed plans will be considered later.

The council's planning officer Paul O'Connor said: "It could be as few as 900 jobs or as many as 3,000 to 4,000 - it all depends on what comes out at the final stage.

"The number of jobs will depend on the type of work on the site, because that can alter the number of people who can fit into a building.

"Once outline permission is granted, the developer will have three years to come back to us with detailed plans."

Dan Bramwell, of Spen Hill Developments, said the site would be suitable for light industrial and general office use.

The project is opposed by campaign group Grove Farm Residents Voice, which is concerned about pollution and traffic congestion.

Member John Isherwood, aged 65, of Westley Close, said: "This will gridlock the west side of the city whether it's 900 jobs or thousands of jobs."