PLANS to transform a former military airbase into a ready-made Cotswold village with a population larger than Stow-on-the-Wold have caused fury amongst residents and conservation bosses.

A total of 70 residents have objected to the plans to build 368 houses, shops, a primary school, pub and leisure facilities on the former MoD base in Upper Rissington.

A highways officer from the county council branded the site "unsustainable" in transport terms and a number of the surrounding villages are concerned about the increase in traffic.

The Cotswold Conservation Board said the plans submitted by developer, Reland, would fail to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The proposal, if given the green light, would see the military buildings demolished alongside four large aircraft hangars and the business park.

MoD Defence Estates still owns some of the adjoining land, known as RAF Little Rissington, which is active.

They are objecting on security, drainage and boundary issues.

In a planning statement sent to Cotswold District Council, Reland said the development would, "create a sense of community within Upper Rissington which is not expressly evident at the moment."

It is anticipated up to 637 jobs will be created in total.

But objectors say the 200 percent increase in population will harm the "ambiance" of Upper Rissington, which would make it only slightly smaller than Bourton-on-the-Water.

Residents have complained the demolition of the current business park will lose jobs.

Mike Napper, CDC's planning officer has recommended the plans be refused as the impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty would be "demonstrably harmful."

He said the location is cut off from public transport, cycleways and footpaths so it would increase reliance on the private car, contrary to government policy.

CDC's planning committee will discuss the development in a meeting tomorrow morning.