GREEN activists hoping to carry out a Good Life-style experiment in living off the land have run into opposition from farmers and neighbours.

Proposals to create a "sustainable living" project on 50 acres of farmland at Burnhope, County Durham, have met with protests.

The plans have been put forward by a Tyneside cooperative, which is trying to raise £100,000 to buy the land.

The proposals include two houses, education facilities and workshops, all of which would be designed to make minimal impact on the environment.

Tyneside Roots says it has already raised most of the money, including a £50,000 loan from the ethical bank Triodos.

The six members plan to extend woods on the land and manage them in environmentally-friendly ways. They also want to return grazing land to organic hay production, plant orchards, grow organic vegetables and run education projects for adults and schoolchildren.

The group presented its plans to residents at a meeting on Monday night, sparking protests from some, whose homes overlook the site.

Maggie and Malcolm Dearmer, who moved to the area three years ago, said they were concerned the development would attract unwanted visitors.

"We moved here for peace and quiet," said Mrs Dearmer. "We don't want lots of visitors. We will fight these proposals all the way."

Dairyman Keith Williams, who has lived at Holmside for more than 40 years, doubted the value of a "sustainable living" community.

"This is the year 2000. They're looking back to 1900," he said.

However, some residents have welcomed the idea.

Gillian Hodds said: "A heck of a lot more effort needs to be made on sustainable culture. I say more power to these young people's elbows."

Derwentside District Council's planning department said the council could not comment in detail until it knew more about the project.

The council has asked Tyneside Roots to supply examples of similar projects. The site is designated an Area of High Landscape Value, and the council would have to consider restrictions on developments in open countryside.

Cooperative member Wilf Richards said he was disappointed at the hostile reception, but said he hoped they could meet many of the objectors' concerns