Dig promise safeguards housing project

After a decade of "on-off" progress, it was feared the Middle Deepdale scheme to redevelop Eastfield – North Yorkshire's biggest housing estate – near Scarborough would finally be called off because of the discovery of the remains near High Eastfield Farm.

But Scarborough Councillors approved the scheme subject to a 1m archaeological dig to ensure the finds are not damaged.

Members were told that the finds were regionally important but were confined to one specific part of the site. Once this was secured by the dig there was nothing to stop the entire scheme going ahead.

The decision clears the way to for a formal planning application for the massive programme of house-building to be prepared, after more than a decade.

Although regarded as vital for the future of the town – by providing homes for people working on the nearby business park – the plan was dogged by controversy for years.

Residents fought a long campaign against the scheme, saying the estate was short of amenities as it was, without building even more homes.

However, the biggest consultation exercise ever staged in North Yorkshire – involving more than 1,000 residents – tied in the scheme to the wider regeneration of Eastfield.

Now the scheme will include affordable housing, and eventually a gym and fitness suite, hydrotherapy pool and rooms for visiting healthcare workers.

Strategic director David Archer said: "Middle Deepdale is all about providing a development which will act as a catalyst for the whole of the Eastfield community."