It will include 150 affordable properties
Local people are to consulted soon about a plan for up to 500 homes in Plympton.
The development at Stoggy Lane will include 150 affordable homes including social rented and shared ownership properties.
Plymouth City Council bought the land in the South Hams District Council area several years ago and it has been earmarked for housing in the Plymouth and South Devon Joint Local Plan.
Cabinet member for housing and communities Chris Penberthy (Lab, St Peter and the Waterfront) said the plan had to be right to get what was needed for Plymouth and the South Hams to mitigate the housing crisis they both face.
A community engagement process will take place over the next few weeks, including with with Sparkwell Parish Council which has planning interests in the site.
Cllr Penberthy told a cabinet meeting 7,500 households are on the city’s housing waiting list, with more than 600 in temporary accommodation including 200 in B&Bs.
“This piece of work that has been floating around for many years and it’s now under way,” he said.