Two 'eco-towns' may be built in the East Midlands, which would result in the construction of around 12,000 homes, it has been revealed.

Developers believe the settlements, at Grovewood in South Derbyshire and New Kingston near Gotham in Nottingshire would produce much of their own power and would benefit from close transport links and an improved jobs market.

Almost 6,000 homes would be built in each development.

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However, those objecting to the plans say that building on green belt would not be environmentally sound.

Spokesman of Banks Developments who are behind the scheme, David Gosling, said the locations are suitable.

"The reason why we think these are good sites is that they are close to where jobs are being created around East Midlands Airport," Mr Gosling said.

"It is close to the M1 and close to where a new railway station is going to be built."

Around 30 per cent of energy efficient homes would be allocated in the affordable homes category. Developers, however, say they would be 20 per cent more expensive to build.

The Government has said it hopes to build 10 carbon-neutral towns of 5,000 to 20,000 homes across England.

(JM)