Gordon Brown has defended plans for new "eco-towns" in the West Midlands, insisting they are popular - with developers.

The Prime Minister was challenged by Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, who said residents opposed plans to build the towns which could include up to 20,000 homes each.

But Mr Brown told the Commons: "As far as I can see there have been 60 applications for eco towns.

"That doesn't sound like they are unpopular, it sounds like they are popular."

There are believed to be three proposals for eco-towns in the West Midlands, although the Government refuses officially to confirm which areas are being considered.

Defence research firm QinetiQ is planning an eco-town at an old airfield at Throckmorton, Worcestershire. St Modwen Properties and the Bird Group have drawn up plans for a an eco-town on the former Long Marston Army Camp near Stratford, Warwickshire.

And a consortium of developers including the Banks Group is planning one on a former airfield site at Curborough, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Eco-towns are designed to be zero-carbon and do not damage the environment. As well as housing, they will include new facilities such as schools and GP surgeries.

Mr Luff's constituency of Mid Worcestershire includes Throckmorton and a small part of the Long Marston site.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Luff said his constituents were opposed to both these plans.

He told Mr Brown: "Obviously you are not aware of the overwhelming opposition to them in my constituency.

"If you're capable of taking a decision and want to prove you're a true democrat, you would take this opportunity to rule out both those sites now."

Mr Brown responded that the Conservative Party was against eco-towns and "against building homes altogether".

He added: "As far as I can see there have been 60 applications for eco-towns. That doesn't sound like they are unpopular, it sounds like they are popular.

"And once again the Conservative Party are on the wrong side of the argument."

Speaking afterwards, Mr Luff said: "I'm afraid he didn't understand the point. The idea that they are popular because developers want to build them is a novel one.

"My concern is the lack of concern for the views of residents."

Ministers are expected to authorise 10 eco-town proposals later this month, but whichever schemes are approved are likely to meet intense local opposition.

About 300 campaigners marched in protest against the Long Marston proposal this weekend, supported by the MP for Stratford, John Maples (Con).

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant (Con) has campaigned against the potential eco-town in Fradley.

He said: "I am in close contact with the District Council and I will continue to press the Government on this issue."

However, other MPs are backing the plans. Mike Foster (Lab Worcester) said: "In south Worcestershire there is crystal clear evidence that we need to build more affordable homes.

"Building them in an environmentally sustainable manner is surely the way forward,, and this is what an eco town means.

"In the city of Worcester, 3,000 families are on the housing waiting list and if the Tories have their way, they will have to stay there."