The location features in two of three options put forward by Ashfield District Council as possibilities for development.

A third option is to earmark the large Whyburn Farm site to the north of Hucknall.

The council's planning projects and policy manager, Allan Whitelaw, said government directives meant that at least 3,600 new homes needed to be found in Hucknall by 2026.

He added that Hucknall would also be affected by plans for a further 2,000 houses in Gedling Borough Council's area – at Top Wighay Farm, on the border with Linby, and land off Papplewick Lane

Mr Whitelaw pointed out that consultations would take place with groups representing the Hucknall community and the town centre up to Monday November 30 and the crucial decision would be made at a later stage.

An unmanned exhibition of the proposals is on view at Hucknall Library and information is also available on the council's website.

Questionnaire slips inviting views on the plans are available at the library and can also be downloaded from the Internet.

Hucknall's 'spatial growth' options are:

l ALLOCATING part of the Rolls-Royce site, both for about 800 new homes and a business park of approximately 38 hectares, with the rest of the housing requirement on smaller sites.

l USING part of the Rolls-Royce site and an area south-east of Hucknall adjoining the town's bypass for about 1,500 of the required new homes, together with the business park on a section of the Rolls-Royce site.

l OR building at Whyburn Farm, which could accommodate 3,700 and 5,500 houses and an area for employment uses.