Plans originally included three road links from the first two stages, but this has been reduced to two with the pedestrian link.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, concerns had been raised that much of the vehicle traffic on the large estate was being diverted onto smaller roads rather than the main road.

The developer said more open space is now provided and 726 trees will be cut down to make way for houses, while 3,805 trees will be replanted in these phases.

Councilors agreed that trees to be removed and replanted will be phased in to ensure residents living in existing homes are “protected” from the dust and noise of future phases of construction for as long as possible.

Mac Cummings, president of Drakelow Parish Meeting, said the authority objected to the plans because of the impact on the character of the area and the environment.

Speaking on behalf of Rural Partnerships, Justin Howell said the plan would make a “significant contribution” to the region’s housing needs, education, health and transport improvements.

Councilor Amy Wheelton said: “Perhaps we shouldn’t have passed on the things we did at draft stage.

“Sometimes planning is about making the best of bad choices.

“This is good practice we’re going to get.”