Plans to build 15,000 new homes in an eco-town in Mid Beds are proving popular with local residents, according to the firm which will build it.

David Reavell, a director at O&H Properties, made the claim this week as the company continues its round of consultations in villages which will be affected by the plans.

He said: "I think the local response has been pretty much what we expected. There has been some opposition, and there are quite well-organised protest groups in some of the villages, but that is not surprising. A lot of people don't like change, and there are a lot of people who have grown up in this area and would like it to stay as it is.

"But if you break it down I think about a third of people are saying: 'We oppose this,' and nothing you tell them will change that.

Another third will say they would rather it didn't happen, but if it does then they want it to be done positively. And the other third say: 'It's good, good luck to it'."

Proposals to build an eco-town in the heart of Bedfordshire have proved highly controversial since they were first revealed in April.

Government proposals would see 15,000-plus new homes being built on greenfield and brownfield land by 2020, at a development called Marston Vale.

Residents opposing the scheme have formed a number of protest groups, including the Marston Moretaine Eco Town Action Group (MMETAG), Brogborough Action Group and Lidlington Action Group.

Mr Reavell said the main benefit for current inhabitants would be improved transport links and new schools, shops and jobs.

He said the company is in talks about improving the service on the Marston Vale line – which currently runs hourly trains between Bedford and Bletchley.

And he reckoned that making just over 5,000 of the new homes affordable housing would also be popular.

Mr Reavell said: "Our scheme will have substantial open spaces, like parks, sports facilities and the lakes which have been created from the brick industry excavation.

"We are told that Bedford Borough and Mid Beds has a waiting list of 5,000 homes. This proposal will deliver just over 5,000 – and that is a big issue locally."

One persistent criticism from opponents of the scheme is that it is an "eco con", with many of the green elements of building the homes set to become mandatory for all new homes from 2016.

Mr Reavell replied: "It is a very complicated issue, and people tend to focus on individual parts of what an eco-town is.

"We are certainly able to demonstrate that any housing that is created will meet the high standards required, such as insulation and renewable energy.

"But we are also talking about creating a place where people can choose to live a sustainable lifestyle. People can live, work and play in the area. They won't have to travel great distances to their jobs or to their evening entertainment, and they can work from their homes using the internet. People can even grow their own food on an allotment."