A number of alternative sites in Plymouth have been proposed

Campaigners have been fighting plans for a new town with 3,500 homes in the Sherford Valley since the proposal was put forward nearly 18 months ago.

A number of alternative sites within Plymouth have been proposed at a public inquiry to examine Devon's structure plan for 2016.

Opponents of the Sherford proposal believe they are winning the argument.

Traffic fears

Steve Melia, of South Hams Against Rural Destruction, said: "If and when brown field sites in Plymouth are not enough, then we need to look for genuine urban extension sites.

"What has become apparent over the past two days is that those sites do exist."

Developers have suggested one site at Woolwell north of Plymouth, which alone could take nearly 2,000 homes.

Plans have already been put forward for homes at Borringdon and Newnham and beside the A38 at Lee Mill.

Plymouth City Council says the Woolwell development would be visible from Dartmoor and would lead to further traffic congestion on the already busy A386 Plymouth to Tavistock Road.