Calls for public’s concerns to be heard over controversial housing scheme

Developers hoping to create what would be York’s largest house-building project are attempting to renew and extend outline planning permission granted in 2007 for the 685-home project for another 12 years.

They were given the outline consent following a public inquiry, but the permission was subject to a five-year limit which has now expired. Opponents of the Germany Beck scheme at Fulford have argued that the area has changed dramatically since planning consent was granted.

The project has also sparked opposition from academics and historians, who have claimed the development could actually be built on the site of the Battle of Fulford, which happened in 1066.

A total of 235 households representing more than 500 residents have signed a petition calling for greater consultation. Coun Keith Aspden, a Liberal Democrat member who represents the Fulford ward, has handed the petition in to the council.

He said: “Planning circumstances have changed since outline permission was granted in 2007, so much so that I believe this extension should be refused by the council.

“Fulford has seen an increase in traffic and air pollution, new evidence has been discovered on the Battle of Fulford site, and national planning policy has changed. These factors and the views of local residents must be listened to.”

Persimmon Homes and Hogg the Builder are both involved in the plans to construct 685 homes on land which has been at the centre of planning wrangles dating back three decades when it was first earmarked for development. The managing director at Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, Andrew Bowes, maintained the firm remains committed to the housing scheme and has sought to “engage with the local community throughout the planning process”.

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