Villagers were shown images of how the Farington Hall estate, off Centurion Way, could look once work is completed.

Developers Brackenhouse Properties, based in Bury, are to apply for permission to build seven employment areas and hundreds of homes.

Public open space, footpaths and cycleways would also be created with access from Centurion Way and Enterprise.

The company claims the new development, which is due to start work in 2010, could provide 1,500 new jobs in the area.

But local people attending the exhibitions at the Farington Lodge Hotel expressed concern over wildlife at the 73-acre site, public rights of way and the future of the foundations of Farington Hall.

Tim Carter, of Bispham Avenue, said: "There's not a major problem but there are concerns about the prospect of flooding and the heavy metals in the foundry sand."

He added that people still had concerns over the Leyland Waste Technology Park, which is being built on land next to the development site and "blighting the lives" of local people.

Local historian Joan Langford, who lives in Stanifield Lane, added: "We have lost so many public rights of way.

"Everyone in Leyland and Farington used to go to Neddy Springs, a natural spring where the water was so pure that watercress would grow. But access to the site has stopped now because of the waste plant. I am keen that no more ancient rights of way are lost."

The massive site stretches from the River Lostock in the west to Leyland Waste Technology Park and Wheelton Lane in the east.

It was originally owned by British Leyland as land to potentially extend its test track and as a tip for foundry sand.

Brackenhouse Properties acquired the land from BMW in 2004. Director Ritchie Watson said: "We are very excited about bringing the site forward. We have had a very constructive meeting with local councillors who were very supportive of the plans. Now we are looking forward to receiving feedback from local residents."

The comments from the two exhibitions will be used as consultation ahead of an application for planning permission, he added.

An outline application is due to be submitted to South Ribble Council in January and the planning committee will make its decision in 2009.

>> Vote in our latest web poll