GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Vera Malcolm, 81, of Hucknall, said: "There are other places they could build these homes. We have not got the infrastructure.

"The roads and traffic are absolutely horrendous in Hucknall.

"I am not against progress but when you see where things are going I don't see the logic.

"Is there somebody really out there who is going to buy all these houses?"

Mary Carswell, chairman of Thrumpton Parish Meeting, is opposed to the development at Clifton Pastures.

She said: "The Government targets are just unrealistic and unnecessary.

"Part of the problem is that planners have been asked to do the impossible and find land for houses where there is not strong enough evidence which shows they are needed.

"It (Clifton Pastures) is completely the wrong location. It is the most visible site around the whole city.

"It will destroy forever the southern gateway to Nottingham. Decisions like that are there forever.

"This development is not representing the views of the local population.

"There are lots of small communities which would be quite happy to have a small amount of development. Why cannot we all have a bit of development rather than this huge extension to the city?"

Gamston Parish Council chairman Diane Kidger said 3,500 signatures had already been collected against the plans to build homes a football stadium at an airport at Tollerton.

She said: "They are encroaching on the green belt land. It is also the infrastructure to support another 4,200 houses that's a concern.

"People living east of Nottingham will feel the impact of the houses."