DAVID Drew has hit back at critics who have accused him of political engineering'.

The row began after plans for 1,750 houses at Hunt's Grove, Hardwicke, were called in earlier this month by the Government.

Stroud District Council leader Chas Fellows claimed Mr Drew's support for the review was expressed to help his colleague, Gloucester MP Parmjit Dhanda, an outspoken critic of the scheme which lies near the border with his constituency.

"It was obviously political engineering," said Cllr Fellows.

"Parmjit Dhanda is worried about his seat at the next election and his Labour friend is helping him out. The Stroud District will be the loser."

Land at Hunts Grove was allocated to meet housing targets having gone through the local plan inquiry.

Dennis Andrewartha, leader of the district council's Lib Dem group said the two MPs were riding roughshod over an accepted democratic process.

And Philip Booth, Green group coordinator, said the call-in would only delay the plans, which include 525 affordable homes.

But Mr Drew hit back at the accusations, saying his support for the review reflects his long-held view of the development.

He said claims of political engineering' were 'ridiculous'.

"What we should be doing is dispersing housing around the district so we get balanced and sustainable development," he said.

And Mr Dhanda believes that Stroud's housing is being dumped on the edge of Gloucester.

At a recent public meeting in Haresfield to discuss the development he said: "It will also further build a wall of concrete around the whole of Quedgeley."