CAMPAIGNERS are expected to turn out in force to show their anger at plans to build hundreds of home within a country park.

Theakston Land plans to build 400 homes on land they own within Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park in Normanby, near Middlesbrough.

A public consultation was held to enable local residents to inspect the proposed plans which the developer maintain will enhance the area.

The applicant says the proposed site is low-grade farming land and part of the application will result in the country park being improved and extended.

However, local residents are determined to block the application and protect the wildlife in the area.

Campaigner Craig Hornby said: "I believe we must oppose this 100 per cent because it will encroach on wildlife habitat as well as the Country Park and could well see a domino effect following from the college field right the way to the riding school."

And Redcar MP Anna Turley said: “On this issue, the local community are very clearly saying we do not want to see development on the Eston Hills. More than 1,200 people have already signed the petition I launched with local councillors and the opposition continues to grow.

"This isn’t just a case of not in my back yard. The site is open countryside, in direct proximity to the Woodland Country Park, used by dog walkers and is populated by wildlife. It is not an appropriate location for housing development and could open the floodgates to applications for housing right along the Eston Hills.

"We will not and cannot let that happen.”

People wanting to join the campaign are urged to meet at the woodland park at 11am on Saturday, (May 14).