COUNCIL leader Sybil Ralphs was heckled as she faced hundreds of protesters fighting plans to build large scale housing developments on their doorsteps.

Objectors are opposed to proposals to build up to 450 houses between Oakamoor Road and Rakeway Road and 430 homes in Froghall Road, Cheadle.

Campaigners accused the council leader of dumping the plans on their neighbourhood after she personally vetoed similar proposals for the Mobberley Farm area of the town.

It was standing room only at last night's meeting at Cheadle Cricket Club, which was organised by action group Cheadle Unite.

Protesters told Ms Ralphs, pictured below, and Councillor Stephen Ellis, who has got cabinet responsibility for planning and development on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, that they did not want any new homes in Cheadle.

And they rejected claims that planning spin-offs could include £2 million investment in the road infrastructure, a new primary school and leisure facilities.

Mr Ellis, who represents Cheadle on the town and district council, was warned by protesters they would remember his face at the next election.

Resident Martin James, of Rockingham Drive, Cheadle, told Ms Ralphs: "Thank-you for coming into the lion's den.

"Mobberley Farm was the preferred option, why was it then decided that Cheadle East would better meet the needs of Cheadle? I would like you to outline the reasons for change."

Ms Ralphs bowed to public pressure and agreed to take into consideration representations made after the public consultation exercise, which officially ended today.

She pledged: "The deadline is not set in stone. We will be flexible and take on board any late representations. I guarantee they will not be ignored and will be taken into account at the council assembly in March.

"People have made some valid suggestions and they will be listened to. I am here tonight to help you. I am not opposed to you.

"These are broad locations and not site specific. They are the most favoured because they are not in the green belt and are not a flood risk.

"We have inherited these figures on housing allocations from the previous administration. At the end of the day these houses have to be built somewhere.

"We fought against the Mobberley Farm plans nine years ago and it would be hypocritical to turn around and say now it can be developed."

The sites have been earmarked in the Local Development Framework, which shapes the future of the district until 2026.

The authority needs to find land to accommodate 1,035 homes in Cheadle, 1,119 in Leek, 918 in Biddulph and 802 in the rural areas.

It needs to submit the report to the secretary of state for the Department for Communities and Local Government by the summer. But if a decision cannot be made, the Government could make the decision for councillors.