PLANS to introduce 15,000 new homes in Grazeley have been met furiously by campaigners who say tax payers will be asked to front up the cash for a funding shortfall.

Wokingham Borough Council revealed a funding bid of £300m had been shortlisted by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This led to cries of anger from those who pleaded with the council not to develop on green belt land on such a vast scale.

While Liberal Democrat councillors understand the need to meet the demand for housing, they also feel the predicted shortfall of £70m will come from the pockets of the tax payer.

Lord John Shipley OBE, who visited the village recently, said: "We all understand the need for more housing, but do we need so many here?

"Who will cover the shortfall needed for proper infrastructure projected by my local colleagues to be £70m. The council tax payers in Wokingham."

The massive development would stretch from the borders of Spencers Wood to Mortimer and neighbours in Grazeley have already voiced concerns over the proposals, including fears over increased traffic.

While other councillors have backed the scheme, there have been calls from Tony Page, deputy leader of Reading Borough Council, to ensure adequate facilities are in place before homes are built.

Wokingham MP John Redwood planted a tree in Grazeley in 1998 to demonstrate to future generations that he opposed development on green belt land.

If the funding bid is successful, it is thought the new homes will be gradually introduced to meet the housing demand for up to 2036.

The site is one of several options being considered by the three authorities, including Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire.

Authorities will meet to decide where the homes will be built when the Local Plan is finalised.

Yonni Wilson, Liberal Democrat campaigner, added: "I am really concerned that the Grazeley development is looking like a done deal.

" We support genuine local plans where people have a real opportunity to let their council know what they want and where local people are listened to, but we are not being listened to here."