POLICE were called to Ripley Town Hall after dozens of people wanting to have their say on plans for housing tried to enter a borough council meeting "against advice".
Amber Valley borough councillors were discussing the authority's strategy for housing until 2028 at a full council meeting.
The controversial plans include proposing two new sites on the outskirts of Derby as suitable for homes.
One would allow for 400 homes off Kedleston Road between Allestree and Quarndon, while the other involves 70 off Radbourne Lane, Mackworth.
The former will be the subject of a planning application from developer Catesby Estates.
The borough council must find land for 7,395 homes in its area between 2011 and 2028.
And Catesby says it is planning a "high-quality development which will help to meet Derby's needs in a sustainable way".
But protesters fear the development would have a negative effect on nearby Kedleston Hall, traffic, flooding, and schools places.
About 30 people who wanted to attend the Wednesday night meeting about the housing plans – which also involve a number of other sites in Amber Valley – were not allowed in.
Police were called to the scene at 7.20pm.
A borough council spokesman said: "Fire regulations limit the number of people who can be present in the council chamber at one time.
"People who had registered to speak in advance of the meeting and representatives of various areas of the borough who wanted to listen to the debate had already been admitted and the meeting had started.
"It was necessary to call the police when some attempted to gain access against this advice."
One of those left outside was Neil Dosanjh, of Somme Road, Allestree, who said he was concerned a new development near his home could cause flooding.
He said the group outside had "worked their way in" and were allowed to get as far as some people that were already inside the building having arrived earlier.
Mr Dosanjh, 25, said no force was used.
He said that the gathering then waited outside to ask councillors questions as they left but that a member of council staff said they could leave out of any door and they would not see them.
A police spokeswoman said the council called to ask for assistance with marshalling the crowd. She said no crimes were committed.
