New 1,800-home Clowne Garden Village approved

More than 6,000 people raised objections to the scheme, arguing it would lead to overcrowding, place a strain on highways, health services and education, create drainage and flooding problems and affect the countryside and wildlife.

Clowne East councillor David Bennett said: “It is unsustainable in the long-term. The heart of the village will become so clogged it will stop beating.”

Planning officer Steve Gill told the meeting the plan will result in a significant contribution for growth and housing and that only a small portion of the site will be in the Green Belt.

He added the scheme will also bring a new primary school, a financial contribution to secondary education, improvements to highways and the Treble Bob roundabout, a healthcare contribution and 10% of the housing will be classed as affordable.

He said: “The public benefits together outweigh the potential harmful impacts.”