PLANS to build 2,000 homes near Sharpness are to push forward despite being rejected by district planning bosses.

Stroud District Council has refused to include the proposals for the 2,000-home eco-town, submitted by Hunter Page Planning, in its Local Plan.

The plans were put forward as part of the first stage of consultation on housing figures in the district.

Last week a draft version of the Local Plan was approved for further consultation by Stroud District Council but it rejected the Sharpness proposals.

Hunter Page Planning Consultants wants to build 2,000 homes plus provide employment opportunities on 4,500 acres of land at Saniger Farm.

However, despite council leaders claiming Sharpness is not suitable for more housing other district councillors would like it included.

Cllr Geoff Wheeler, ward member for Dursley, said: "It seems to me an important area to develop.

"I think that (the proposals) should be brought back perhaps not the scale being proposed originally but in some scale."

Cllr Frances Roden, leader of Stroud District Council, said: "It would seem that particular part of the district is actually on a knife edge in terms of sustainability."

Paul Fong, from Hunter Page Planning, said the company was encouraged by the support and the plans would progress.

He said: "We are still going forward and advancing our proposals. There is a lot of interest.

"Cabinet had a difficult decision to make but this is only the first part of the consultation process and on November 24 it is full council and there are a number of councillors who are very keen on Sharpness."

Phil Skill, head of planning at Stroud District Council, said development was not encouraged in coastal areas, and there were restrictions surrounding protected wildlife.

The Gazette has learnt though that Stroud District Council and British Waterways are in discussions on options for Sharpness regarding employment and housing.

A spokesman for British Waterways said it was too early to give any details on the proposals.