A MASSIVE multi-purpose eco-park could be created on the outskirts of York under ambitious new plans.

Askham Bryan College has teamed up with Green Ideas Ltd to draw up designs for a 20-acre attraction just off the A64, at Copmanthorpe.

The attraction would be the size of 40 football pitches, and would combine nature and wildlife areas with activities and sporting features.

A statement supporting the plans says the site will differ from Victorian and Edwardian public parks, which are limited in their biodiversity, adding: "At times, their activity areas can be outdated or unappealing, particularly for families with teenage children.

"The eco-park is created at the outset with the objective of combining wildlife and activity areas."

If given the green light, the eco-park will include an education centre, an eco-café, woodland walks, fishing lakes, a fitness trail, mountain biking, a zip-slide and a play area.

It will also include the world's first ever FooteeGolf course - a new game combining football and golf, where players kick a ball round a country course in as few shots as possible.

Paul Green, of Green Ideas Ltd, said: "It's an idea that has developed over about 18 months. It's in coordination between Askham Bryan College and ourselves, the designers.

"We want to create a series of activity areas within a relatively small space, but in an area which is rich in wildlife. It's a combination of active and passive recreation."

He said: "It's the very first eco-park in the country, and we think it has real potential, not only for this particular location, but for others round the country."

Local resident Lesley Jones, of Copmanthorpe, welcomed the scheme. She said: "From my point of view, anything that keeps the countryside in and around York can only be a good thing."

She said: "If we can keep as much greenery as possible then let's do it. If it protects wildlife then I am all for it."

But another resident, SR Edwards, has objected to the plans, writing: "Increased traffic and noise will be considered a nuisance. Manor Heath is a busy road linking the village to the A64 west-bound, and the York outer bypass.

"This land has always been considered agricultural land and used by the college. If planning was to be approved it would open the flood gates for further development and spoil the entire area both in appearance and in the nuisance it would create for the village."

Local councillor Paul Healey said: "I think the whole scheme is very good. It's innovative - it's groundbreaking in terms of this country. It will be the first of its kind and it's very good for the college and very good for Copmanthorpe."