A BUSINESSMAN has revealed his dream to build a sports complex and create a wildlife haven on a piece of derelict land in the North-East.

David Scott is proposing the development for a site close to Billingham Beck, at Billingham, Teesside - although Stockton Borough Council has yet to receive an outline planning application.

The stadium would play host to greyhound racing, speedway, baseball and American football, says Mr Scott.

He bought the 200-acre site, which runs from the A19 sliproad at the Norton and Billingham roundabout to Portrack, Stockton, two years ago.

Mr Scott has teamed up with speedway promotors Gareth Rogers and Chris Van Straaten in a bid to make his dream become a reality.

He said: "The site has enormous potential and at the moment is lying unused.

"I would like to see it being brought back into use and am trying to develop a sports stadium, which will be modest in size, as well as create a wildlife habitat.

"Due to the sheer size of the site, you could put the stadium well away from any housing, and I can promise residents will be fully consulted."

Mr Scott has said he will also consult with Tees Forest and the Cleveland Wildlife Trust in a bid to develop waterways, a cycleway and footpaths around the site, as well as planting trees and developing landscaping.

He said: "I would like to encourage people to come here to fish and relax. I don't want the development to become a nuisance to people and I don't want to make any enemies."

Once the plans have been discussed by Stockton council and residents consulted, it is expected the scheme will take 18 months to develop.