The Coatham development will include homes and leisure facilities

Plans for the �55m Coatham Links scheme in Redcar include 250 new homes, a hotel, visitor tower and bingo hall.

An independent market research company found that 71% of people questioned said they would visit.

And over 80% of the 11 to 19-year-olds who attended a recent youth event gave the sea-front scheme their backing.

During the survey, interviewers questioned 606 residents and found the biggest concern was that the development would lead to an increase in council tax.

'Boost to tourism'

However, Redcar and Cleveland Council said that the leisure element would be funded by the sale of land for housing, grants and prudential borrowing.

When asked what the main benefits would be, the top four were: more or better leisure facilities; an increase in jobs; more activities for young people and increased tourism.

Councillor Vera Moody, cabinet member for economic development, said: "This research reinforces what people have been telling us - that they want the Coatham Links scheme.