Thousands of new homes are to be built in the region

A government study has called for up to 167,000 new homes to be built in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and surrounding areas by 2031.

The proposal has sparked alarm among some residents who want to force a rethink on the numbers or, at least, elicit guarantees that facilities will be in place to cope with a "population boom".

Public opposition to the scheme is being co-ordinated by the STOP (Stop the Over-development Plans for Northamptonshire) group.

'Educating' residents

Its chairman Sir Peter Fry told BBC News Online the group was aiming to gather fresh supporters by highlighting potential problems.

He said the group had raised some money which would be used to continue gathering support through its petition and to pay for an advertising campaign in the Northampton area.

"What we're trying to do it make it clear what is being put forward," he said.

"This is extremely important for the people of the county and those who have to live in it in the future.

Sir Peter said STOP is not influenced by politics

"We are telling people that this mass overdevelopment is not a necessity - we're not against development, just overdevelopment."

Sir Peter added that if nothing could be done to lower the number of homes, the group would seek guarantees that roads, schools, shops and other essential infrastructure would be able to cope.

The proposals are expected to be examined in public during a series of meetings in May or April next year.