VILLAGERS are to be invited to two meetings to discuss where 2,500 homes could be built in their parish.

Rushcliffe Borough Council is to host two meetings in February to discuss with residents of Barton-in-Fabis and Gotham what pockets of land would be most suitable to build the homes.

Resident Bill Harrison, 70, of Chestnut Lane, who was born in Barton-in-Fabis, is sceptical about the number of homes being proposed.

He said: "These homes will obliterate Barton.

"It will devastate the area permanently – you can't reclaim that land once homes are built."

The number of homes was earmarked for land south of Clifton as part of Rushcliffe Borough Council's Local Plan which councillors approved in December last year following a five-year drafting process.

The plan will see 9,900 homes built across the borough. News of the huge development has left residents of Barton and Gotham, crestfallen – particularly after plans for 5,500 homes south of Clifton were withdrawn by developers Barratt Homes in April last year.

But the Government's plans to increase the width of the A453 put the spotlight back on the two villages and surrounding greenbelt land.

And councillors decided that the area could withstand a major housing development.

Mr Harrison added: "It's all on green belt land, that's what they are proposing.

"We will be making a strong representation against the houses in all areas.

"We have around 200 people in Barton who are all against these plans, and it's come as a bit of shock we thought this issue had gone away. Where will it stop?"

Mr Harrison said he will be attending the meeting and he urged other residents to make their opinions known.

Another resident Lynda Dransfield, of Trentside, Barton-in-Fabis, said: "People are concerned about this issue. I'll definitely be attending the meetings. We feel as though this has come as a bit of shock.

"We thought talk of building up this area was behind us."

Trevor Vennett-Smith, independent borough councillor for the area, said he was also worried.

"I am very concerned about what kind of shape this proposal will leave Barton and Gotham in. I don't think a very good one," he said.

No changes can now be made to the borough's Local Plan but by the end of February residents and pressure groups will be given six weeks to air their views to a planning inspector.

The inspector will ultimately decide if the borough council's bid to build 9,900 homes in the borough will be allowed.

Paul Randle, deputy chief executive of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: "We want to encourage as many people as possible attend our meetings and let their voices be heard."

The first of the meetings will be held on February 2 in the Barton-in-Fabis village hall in Main Street from 3pm until 8pm.

The next meeting will be held the following day from 3pm until 8pm in the Gotham Memorial Hall.