Willow Green would be close to the M62

Villagers took drums along to Selby town centre at 1000 GMT in a campaign to show their opposition for the carbon-neutral homes near Kellington.

A spokesman for residents said the new town would be double the size of Selby and could take business away from the area and increase traffic and noise.

The government aims to create 40 eco- towns on ex-industrial sites in the UK.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "We did monitor the protest but it seemed peaceful and passed without any incidents."

Campaigners from Kellington and nearby Eggborough have argued the development would "decimate" the environment and their rural way of life.

GMI Property - the company behind the plans said the eco-town would regenerate the area and provide new jobs.