A WEEK-lONG exhibition of the controversial proposals for the £55m development of the Coatham Enclosure opened on Monday to a mixed response.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's plans for the site include 250 new homes, a hotel, visitor tower and swimming pool. But protesters have said green land will be unnecessarily lost.

Coun Vera Moody, cabinet member for economic development, said the exhibition was a chance for residents to see what could be happening.

The exhibition, at Redcar Bowl, shows a revised masterplan, artist's impressions and a video showing how the public's views have helped to shape the latest proposals.

The opening day attracted a healthy flow of visitors eager to cast an eye over the latest development plans.

Resident Bill Brennan said: "I have come to see for myself what all the fuss is about. I know the town could do with some improved sports facilities but I'm still not sure whether there is the need for the housing."

Coun Moody said: "We see this as another important opportunity to consult and communicate with the public.

"We want them to have their say and we want them to support it."

However, protester Chris McGlade would not be swayed by the revised plans.

He said: "It's just a rehash of everything we have seen before. They have taken old photographs, blown them up and put them in the small bar in the leisure centre - it tells us nothing new."

Redcar historian Vera Robinson has thrown her backing behind scheme. She said that the development should not be blocked because the area is definitely not common land.

Ms Robinson said: "I have a map from 1815 that shows Coatham Common between the Redcar town boundary and Coatham. The only name the Coatham Enclosure are has had before is the golf course and the sand dunes - never Coatham Common."

Mr McGlade was not impressed by the details of the map.

He said: "On the 1960 deeds it clearly states the land is common land and if this goes ahead we will fight it in the courts."

The exhibition is open today until 7pm.