Almost 6,000 houses, could be built between Rosliston and Swadlincote, on an area roughly the size of Uttoxeter.

Protesters plan to deliver their 2,000 signature petition to the Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday.

They have also had posters and car stickers made promoting the slogan, "Say No to Grovewood - don't rip the heart out of the National Forest".

'Outstanding opportunity'

Mark Todd, MP for south Derbyshire, has given his support to the campaign against the proposals.

Banks Developments wants to build up to 5,700 homes in Grovewood.

A spokesperson said the site "represents an outstanding opportunity to create a high quality sustainable community... and would place the Midlands in the vanguard of regions looking to make the eco-town principle a reality".

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