The Daily Telegraph 

Hundreds of banner-waving protesters gathered outside the meeting in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwicks, to voice their disapproval of a proposed settlement for up to 20,000 people at nearby Middle Quinton. The plans for 10 towns, the first to be built in Britain for 40 years, have led to nationwide protests.

The actors Dame Judi Dench and John Nettles are among those backing BARD (Better Accessible and Responsible Development), a resident's protest group in Stratford.

Yesterday Johnny Herbert, the racing driver, who lives locally, spoke of his concern about the impact of a 6,000-house new town. One councillor compared the plan to the Soviet Union in the 1950s. Mr Herbert told The Daily Telegraph: "Take it from me, driving won't be much fun round here when the new town leads to massive commuter traffic jams.''

Last month, Mr Nettles, who lives near Stratford, said the proposals would turn the Middle Quinton area into "Milton Keynes II''.

Before yesterday's meeting, protesters handed a 6,000-signature petition to Stratford council.

Philip Seccombe, a Conservative councillor, said the "determined but failing Labour government'' was trying to enforce a housing plan that resembled the Soviet Union's in the 1950s. He told the meeting: "Be bold, send a message to this arrogant government - we don't want this town.''

The council is to write to Caroline Flint, the housing minister, expressing its opposition "in the strongest terms''.

A shortlist of 15 sites was unveiled earlier this year by the Government. Five will be built by 2013, with up to another five due by 2020.

The plans have received a broad welcome from some environmental groups but critics say many of the sites are inappropriate, especially those in unspoilt countryside.

A spokesman for the Communities and Local Government department said last night: "We will speak with the local authorities during the process and we would prefer them to support it.''

The Daily Telegraph has reported how the issue has become one of the biggest grassroots protests of modern times, with tens of thousands of people expressing opposition. Several of the communities are running petitions on the 10 Downing Street website.

See photos of the protests at our Events Gallery