This week, the district council unveiled options for the development of the area over the next 18 years - its blueprint for accomodating the 10,800 homes required by the government.

Some 2,700 properties are already in the planning process, and officers think Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth will be able to absorb much of the remaining 8,100.

But areas around the towns and the villages of Bishops Tachbrook, Barford, Hampton Magna, Hatton Baginton, Leek Wootton and Radford Semele have been highlighted as possible 'growth sites'.

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Battle-lines are drawn. See comments from across the district here.

Of the urban contenders, the fringes of Milverton, Lillington, Sydenham, Warwick Gates, Whitnash, the Thickthorn area of Kenilworth and the south of Gallows Hill are all being considered for building.

And around 223 acres of green field sites still needs to be found.

Fears have been raised that facilities such as schools, roads and Warwick Hospital will be unable to cope with a population increase of at least 21,600 - the size of a small town.

And the need to build in fields and other green spaces while hundreds of houses and business premises across the area stand empty has been labelled "scandalous".

Land north of Milverton is one of the green areas that could be could be built on - a decision that allotment holders for 36 years Stanley and Ann Anthony would be willing to fight.

Mr Stanley said: "All the 198 plots on the allotment are used and we have 30 people on the waiting list.

"It is very important to preserve them - they are green territory among the houses."

Coun Bill Gifford (Lib Dem, Milverton) said: "The green belt around Milverton is particularly valuable to the community.

"It is allotment land and also acts as a separation between the three towns. It shouldn't be considered for housing at all."

Critics also warn that the identity of the district's towns and villages could be lost as the fields separating them disappear.

The order for expansion has come from the government in response to predicted housing needs across the country.

So while the district council does not have a choice on whether or not to build new homes, it can decide where they should go.

A total of 15 areas and eight villages across the district have been earmarked for possible enlargement.

And over the next eight weeks, residents will have the opportunity to comment on these before a map of expansion is drawn up.