The plan sets out housing projects over the next two decades

South East England Regional Assembly's (Seera) planners are to discuss the public's response to the plan, which is a housing blueprint for the area.

Friends of the Earth South East say it must set targets for reducing pollution and the South Downs Campaign wants more protection for the countryside.

A spokesman for Seera said the issues were being looked at by its members.

Lacks safeguards

Under the South East Plan, houses would be built in the Ashford, Thames Gateway and Gatwick areas, in parts of Surrey and along the Sussex coast.

Residents have been consulted on the draft plan, with officials promising to take views on board before finalising proposals to be submitted to the government.

But Friends of the Earth says the road schemes and growth in housing will increase traffic and emissions of carbon dioxide in the region.

Brenda Pollack, Friends of the Earth South East campaigns co-ordinator, said: "It is amazing that this regional strategy has no targets to tackle dangerous climate change and protect people's quality of life.

"Without targets to push action on climate change, South East leaders could be putting the population at risk."

The South Downs Campaign says despite protection of the countryside being a high priority for residents during the public consultation, the plan lacks safeguards against landscapes being damaged by economic growth.