The staggering figure would potentially increase the size of the town by almost two-thirds with most of the houses planned for Green-Belt land.

The shocking revelation is contained in a study commissioned to investigate potential housing sites to help meet government targets of at least 60,000 new homes in Greater Nottingham.

An initial list of 22 sites has been whittled down to 12, four of which are in and around Hucknall.

The biggest site in the town is Whyburn Farm, which is a greenfield plot flanked by Annesley Road, Whyburn Lane and the A611 Annesley bypass. The 444-acre site is pinpointed for up to 5,400 new houses.

Also in the list is Top Wighay Farm, between Hucknall and Linby, which has long been targeted for housing development. It was the subject of a hard-fought but unsuccessful campaign against original proposals for 800 houses and industrial land there.

But in the latest document, it is suggested the Green-Belt plot of 209 acres could cope with up to 2,550 houses.

Also featured is 37 acres of Green Belt north of Papplewick Lane with capacity for 450 houses.

The only 'brownfield' (previously used) site is near Rolls-Royce on Hucknall Aerodrome, off Watnall Road, comprising 49 acres capable of holding 600 homes.

The report, entitled the Sustainable Urban Extension Study (SUE), was commissioned by all the councils in Nottinghamshire and carried out by independent planning consultants.

They looked at a series of sites and ruled out several because of issues like heritage, risk of flooding, transport and congestion.

It is stressed that no decisions have been taken yet and it is unlikely all the sites would be developed because almost double the amount of land required has been identified.

The government also dictate that 60% of any new development should take place on 'brownfield' land.

But residents are sure to be up in arms, especially after Hucknall was told to find space for 3,000 houses in the Local Plan several years ago.

Locals are also still reeling from the loss of the fight to block almost 800 houses on greenfield land at the Wigwam Lane playing fields and adjoining Grange Farm.

The town's Labour MP, Paddy Tipping, said: "Not all of these sites will be developed. There is going to be consultation asking people what they want. I want people to be involved in the debate.

"I am very keen not to see any development north of Hucknall. I was always opposed to the Top Wighay site being used and there are problems with the land north of Papplewick Lane in terms of access.

"I think there are problems with all the sites in Hucknall. People are going to be concerned and this is why we need to have a debate."

Notts County Council say any developments might include schools and other services, such as sports grounds, shops and doctors' surgeries.

Some will also have their own transport links and it is suggested the tram line in Hucknall could be extended.

The relevant local councils will make the final decisions after
consultation.

The Rolls-Royce and Whyburn Farm sites are under the jurisdiction of Ashfield District Council, while north of Papplewick Lane and Top Wighay under Gedling Borough Council.

The study and feedback will form the backbone of a Local Development Framework – the latest blueprint for future house-building.

A separate study, called the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, is out later this year and is expected to show that 36,600 of the homes targeted in Nottinghamshire cen be met without the need for Green-Belt development.