The Woolston Community Association, backed by local councillors, handed city planners a detailed 75-page objection to proposed £500m development by Crest Nicholson.

It includes 148 houses and 1,505 flats - some in apartment towers rising up to 25 stories - with less than one parking space for each home. Residents say the plans attempt to cram too many homes onto the site and will create traffic congestion and parking problems.

Andrew Middleton from the development section of the WCA said: 'It's been a good turnout. We hope it will have the necessary impact on decision-makers.'

These plans are a real threat to spoil Woolston with too many dwellings in too small a space, he added.

Council planners said they have now received more then 1,000 objections to the proposals. Crest Nicholson said the mix and number of homes is in line with council policy and they have proposed measures to reduce the impact of the development on the existing community.