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

David Scott plans to build the development on a site close to Billingham Beck, Billingham, Teesside - although Stockton Borough Council have yet to receive an outline planning application.

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

The 200-acre site was bought by Mr Scott a couple of years ago and runs from the A19 sliproad at the Norton and Billingham roundabout to Portrack.

Mr Scott has teamed up with speedway promoters 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.

"As it is only an outline planning application nothing is final, and residents can discuss any concerns with me they may have.

"I promise that if I face a huge wave of objection I will pull out. The residents will be the ones using the facility and they need to have their say."

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 new 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.

"I am aiming to encourage the maximum amount of consultation and will hold meetings to listen to people's views."

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