Called Winslow Green, the proposed community would occupy the former site of Little Horwood's wartime airfield.

Promotional material has been sent to local households, and a deadline of Friday, September 5, has been set for people to give their views as part of a public consultation.

Winslow Green spokesman Martyn Twigg said: "Greenway is the collective name of the organisations behind the development and as our plans have progressed Winslow Green has evolved as the identity we'd like to propose for the new community.

"The proposals that we're consulting on have been adapted in line with our submissions to the local development framework and been improved to take on board the positive feedback we've received to date."

He added: "We are very keen to engage with all members of the local population to ensure they are fully aware of our proposals and have the opportunity to share their views and help us shape our vision. In addition to the leaflet distributed to all households in Winslow, Great and Little Horwood we've had meetings with many community groups and we'll also shortly be hosting a public exhibition in the local area."

Earlier this year, the Greenway plans were submitted to the Government as a prospective part of a new eco-town initiative, but did not make the shortlist.

The Winslow Green website mentions new homes, employment, schools, shops, health facilities and public transport, and requests the public's assistance to, "...get that mix right." The number of proposed houses is not detailed, although 5,000 was suggested in previous plans.

However, campaigners against such a scheme say this is the fourth attempt to create a new town on the airfield site, and argue that Winslow Green is just a new name for the same proposals. They fear the impact such a new settlement would have on surrounding communities.

Spokesman for the Group Against Greenway, Justin Charlton-Jones, said: "This is a fishing exercise which Greenway is using to attempt to find any positive reaction to their plans which they could then use to support a planning application.

"However you dress it up, Winslow Green is still a new town in open countryside."

He urged local people to voice their opposition to the proposals.

Visit www.winslowgreen.info for details of the scheme.