THOUSANDS of homes are to targeted by two businessmen behind proposals for a £6m eco park.

Ian Howlett and Paul Nelson say that "ill-informed" opposition has led to a public outcry to their plans to create offices and business units, together with community facilities on a 6.25-acre site at Ingleby Barwick.

It would also include water features, seating, walkways and green space as well as two 7m wind turbines to power lighting.

Leaflets will be posted to every resident, setting out details of the scheme to homes on Europe's largest housing estate.

Mr Howlett, who founded Nunthorpe Nurseries, said: "Comparison of our original plans and the revised version shows that we have also been prepared to listen to genuine concerns and act upon them.

"This will be the first environmentally friendly development of its kind in the region."

However, local councillors say they don't want office space in the area, with industrial estates available just a few miles away.

Councillor Ken Dixon said: "I have received the large number of e-mails and telephone calls from objectors who don't want office space in the middle of an estate."

Fellow ward councillor David Harrington said: "A significant number of residents would prefer to see this land developed for an additional secondary school.

"We don't need offices in Ingleby when there are business and industrial parks in the vicinity."

The businessmen will also hold two open days next month where people can meet them and their architects.

The plans for the development are on display at Tesco for two weeks and other public access sites in Ingleby Barwick.

The two information events will be held on June 7 and 14 at the community centre, in Beckfields Avenue, between 4.15pm and 6.45pm.