DEVELOPERS have unveiled plans for an enormous eco-town in Selby district.

Politicians have welcomed the proposed scheme, which would see up to 15,000 homes built on a 1,500-acre site near the villages of Eggborough and Kellington.

GMI Property Company yesterday confirmed it had submitted plans to create one of the Government's ten planned UK eco-towns to the south of Selby.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced in July he intended to press ahead with the scheme to meet the country's environmental and housing needs.

GMI has dubbed their proposed eco-town Willow Green. As well as homes, the settlement would include more than a dozen schools, many recreation and leisure areas and several economic and business zones.

GMI chairman Peter Gilman said the development would help address the pressing need for extra houses in the Leeds city region.

"We are delighted to be involved in one of the Government's visionary programmes.

"We believe that our expertise, track record of successful public sector partnerships and commitment to environmental best practice will ensure that Willow Green will be a model for the new towns of the 21st century."

Selby MP John Grogan welcomed the proposal. He said: "Plans for an eco-town in Selby district are at an early stage. I myself will be backing the idea. I think having a green town of the future in the old historic Osgoldcross area of Selby district would not only provide much needed affordable housing, but would improve services available to well established local villages.

"With careful planning I think the village character of Eggborough, Kellington and Whitley Bridge can be preserved just as for example Heslington has retained its identity even though it is adjacent to the University of York."

He said the Government would announce a list of proposed eco-towns in February and then a special planning and consultation process would begin.

Proposals for the eco-towns are still at the bidding stage. The Government has said the Leeds city region, including Selby and York, will have one eco-town. A York bid for a town immediately north of the ring road at Clifton Moor is being compiled by developers Hallam.