Villagers claim the homes are not in keeping with the area

The proposed development near Gotham would see 6,000 homes built and almost 4,000 jobs created.

The Rushcliffe Eco-Town Protest Group is opposed to the plans which it claims would destroy the countryside.

Developers said the eco-town would produce much of its own power and boost the economy.

'Very suitable'

The government has said it wants to build ten carbon-neutral towns of 5,000 to 20,000 houses across England.

Protest organiser Amar Alwitry said: "It is smack in the middle of all of our villages. They are using the eco-town ethos to build houses on greenbelt land.

"We like living in the countryside and the idea of turning this into a big urban area is completely ridiculous."

Spokesman David Gosling, of Banks Developments, who are behind the latest scheme, has argued that the location in New Kingston is very suitable.

He said the site is close to East Midlands Airport, which is a focus for job creation in the local economy.