THE public is to be given the chance to influence how a planned multi-million pound leisure and housing scheme takes shape.

It was announced last month that a £2.5m "substantial-sized" swimming pool would be central to plans to develop Redcar's 35-acre Coatham Enclosure site.

Now, the public will have the chance to consider other plans earmarked in Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's local plan, which include building a cinema, nightclub, outdoor leisure facilities, casino and hotel.

However, Persimmon Homes North East, named as the council's preferred bidder, is only committed to the pool, leisure centre, housing, and becoming involved with the Mungle Jungle children's activity centre and Redcar Bowl at this stage.

A month-long exhibition at Redcar's Central Library, detailing the council's development brief for the Coatham Enclosure, is now open.

Mary Edwards, the council's chief planning officer, said the authority's plan for the site was to create a visitor attraction which would help revitalise the town.

She said: "All comments will be carefully considered and will help us draw up the final development brief.

"Persimmon will then work up the detailed development scheme in conjunction with the council.

"That process will also include consultation and the chance to comment before any scheme is submitted to the council as a formal planning application."

David Walsh, leader of the council, said the Persimmon scheme was exciting news for the town.

He said: "There is some work to do, but I think the news about the swimming pool, leisure complex and repackaging Mungle Jungle is excellent news. We await the public's response.

It is estimated that the 250 properties, of various sizes, to be built in what Persimmon Homes describes as an urban village, will attract up to £30m of investment.

Tees Valley Leisure, which runs leisure services on behalf of the council, is expected to hold talks with Persimmon Homes.

As well as the exhibition in Redcar Library, on view during opening hours until the end of the month, the draft development brief is also on display at the council's offices in Belmont House, Guisborough.

Comments can be posted to Coatham Development, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Belmont House, Rectory Lane, Guisborough