Growing fears over houses on battlefield

The move comes ahead of Persimmon Homes’ submission of a planning application to build 700 homes in Fulford, which is expected to go before York Council at the start of next year.

The plans for the Germany Beck development sparked opposition from both academics and historians, who have claimed the homes could actually be built on the site of the Battle of Fulford.

Fulford ward councillor Keith Aspden has launched a petition calling for more engagement with local residents after claiming a single public consultation event planned for Friday was inadequate.

Urging the York-based developers to take more time over the consultation, he said: “These plans aren’t just covering the minor details, they relate to access to the site, scale of the development, site layout and other issues that will affect the whole of Fulford, not just the immediate surrounding area. It is vital that the views of the local community are taken on board and I don’t believe that one consultation event which residents were only told about a few days before is enough.”

The managing director for Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, Andrew Bowes, said the company had worked closely with York Council to ensure the consultation met with the authority’s policy on community involvement.

The Battle of Fulford, when the invading Viking army, led by Harald Hardrada, triumphed over the English forces, is seen as key in the run-up to the Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror being crowned King of England.

Historians have attempted to pinpoint the location of the battlefield as campaigners tried to halt the development. But outline planning permission was granted for the housing scheme in 2007 after a public inquiry.