The world's most exclusive car factory could be in production within three years, bringing 350 jobs to West Sussex.

Plans to establish new headquarters and a production centre for Rolls-Royce cars at Goodwood are due to be submitted to planners this week.

It is part of a major investment by the German BMW group, which took over rights to the world famous car name in 1998 and is due to take over full business and production responsibilities in 2003.

The plan paves the way for the production of an entirely new luxury saloon at Goodwood. The first details of architects' plans for the new factory were unveiled this morning.

They show the innovative building 'buried' in a gravel pit with grass growing on its roof, surrounded by sensitive landscaping.

Project managing director Karl-Heinz Kalbfell said: "We are on track and on time with all aspects of this exciting project to create the world's most exclusive car manufacturing plant and to bring a new Rolls-Royce model to the market in 2003, which has been designed in the UK and will be built by craftspeople in the UK.''

The 30-acre site for the new factory and head office is next to the Goodwood Estate. If all goes well, BMW chiefs hope to be able to test the new vehicle on the Goodwood motor circuit.

The new plant will employ about 350 people, producing about 1,000 cars a year. BMW says because of the hand-built nature of the production process, only about five cars will be made per day.

The company says it chose Goodwood after a thorough examination of alternative sites throughout the UK.

Since deciding on Goodwood in May, there have been extensive discussions with local agencies, community groups and individuals with an interest in the scheme.

The South Coast's unique combination of specialist skills, usually associated with bespoke boatbuilding, is said to be another reason for choosing Goodwood.

The site also has good transport links. A company spokesman said: "Customers will be encouraged to see their cars being built and it is expected that they and other visitors from throughout the world will visit the new Rolls-Royce headquarters, which will, in turn benefit the local and regional economies.''

Subject to planning permission, construction work could begin by spring. A further 300 temporary jobs will be created in construction.

Architects at Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners have designed most of the buildings to be sunk partly below ground level in an area created by gravel extraction.

They propose to have a "living" green roof which, when viewed from outside, will blend into the surrounding countryside. They also plan to construct a lake at the front of the buildings.

Sir Henry Royce, one of the two founders of Rolls Royce, lived in nearby West Wittering from 1917 until his death in 1933.