Examining huge Leeds city area, consultants GVA Grimley contentiously earmarked Willow Green site between Eggborough and Kellington, Gascoigne Wood at Sherburn, Burn Airfield and Church Fenton for as many as 20,000 homes.

Selby District Council leader Coun Mark Crane said: "I'm amazed all four sites are local and have arranged an urgent meeting with consultants to discuss criteria used to reach this decision.
"If this has simply been an exercise to find a location within Selby, I for one will not sign up for it."

Minister for Housing and Planning Caroline Flint announced 15 UK shortlisted sites with Leeds city options unidentified so GVA Grimley selected four suitable sites, which next month go before a special board meeting including SDC.

Sherburn Parish Council chairman Coun Malcolm Dowson said: "This would have a long-lasting devastating affect on Sherburn, which can barely support its existing infrastructure, let alone thousands more homes.
"The village is already over-developed. An eco-town would be of no benefit whatsoever to the communities of Sherburn or nearby Church Fenton."

Church Fenton parish councillor Carol Morbey said: "We definitely don't feel such a rural village full of greenfield land is suitable for an eco-town. Our infrastructure could not cope and it would change the face of the area forever. We will be raising our objections and offering local knowledge to ensure the right decision is reached."

Husband and wife councillor protestors John and Mary McCartney (pictured) urged objectors to continue to lobby decision-makers.
John said: "We know Willow Green does not fit the government's criteria and can't support a sustainable eco-town.

"We think it's being kept on the shortlist to put pressure on the region to find a better site. It's disgusting the government will use our residents simply as pawns."

Mary added: "We're calling on our MP John Grogan's support. He knows Willow Green is not suitable. It's time he did the decent thing and stood up for the residents."

The Labour member countered: "I continue to support the idea because it would create affordable housing for hard-pressed young couples and people trying to make a start in life with new schools, health facilities and improved public transport."

Tory election choice Nigel Adams warned: "Building a large town in Selby district would be disastrous. We don't need these so-called eco-towns, which are anything but eco-friendly.

"Housing shouldn't be built just to meet the Prime Minister's targets. This ridiculous idea should be fought all the way."