Councillors had to delay a planned cabinet meeting so the unexpected numbers could be accommodated inside.

The 50-strong group of people, all from Stanground, ranged from mums with pushchairs to pensioners, and congregated outside the town hall, in Bridge Street.

They were wearing T-shirts displaying the message Stand up for Stanground on the front and Say no to Magna Park across the back.

They were protesting about plans to build an "inland port" comprising seven warehouses and a rail freight interchange on 135 hectares of countryside between Park Farm, Stanground, and Hanson brickworks, in Whittlesey.

A spokesman for the residents group said: "We asked people to come here today to show their support for our campaign and objection to the proposals which would be bad for the area."

Warehousing giant Gazeley estimates that Magna Park will create 5,400 jobs.

But residents in the area believe the development would be devastating for the community and ruin the countryside.

As well as covering countryside in concrete, residents are concerned about increased traffic, noise and light pollution, and the loss of wildlife habitats.

Stanground Central councillor Irene Walsh has publicly declared her opposition to the development.

Her decision to lobby the council not to include Magna Park in the Core Strategy – one of the documents which will dictate Peterborough's future growth – means she is likely to lose her vote on the issue if it comes to a full council meeting.

Related: Magna Park: Councillors release statement, 14th March.

Warehouse plans could bring 5,400 jobs, 12th March.