Plans unveiled for £8m "veterans' village" in Yorkshire

Landowners Hull Council are backing proposals by the Hull 4 Heroes charity to develop 22 acres off Priory Road and Coronation Road North, for a scheme providing homes, training and job opportunities for dozens of veterans.

As well as 58 modular homes, the plans include a horticultural therapy and rehabilitation facility, market garden and garden centre.

Hull 4 Heroes founder Paul Matson said they had “absolutely unbelievable” support from Hull and East Riding Councils, businesses and the community.

The charity was set up in 2016 with the aim of creating homes for veterans after the ex-soldier returned to the city, after working on the BBC TV show DIY SOS creating a “Veteran’s Street” in Manchester.

He said: “Hull 4 Heroes has a great team of local and dedicated volunteers along with a passionate project team of professionals who are excited about engaging with residents to create a legacy that we, the local community and people of Hull can be proud of.”

Deputy council leader Coun Daren Hale said they were “proud to support” the plans in a city which was a major recruiting ground for the Armed Forces and had one of the best Armed Forces Charters in the country.

But he said locals “have their right to have their say and be heard.” The council will gift the land, which straddles the Hull and East Riding boundary, to Hull 4 Heroes, if the scheme wins planning approval.

The site, which includes the former education centre on Coronation Road North, is allocated as greenspace, which would not normally get approval for housing.

Coun Hale said: “There are issues concerning the public round highways, planning consent and flooding concerns and these will all need to be dealt with fully in consultation.”

The plans go on display on February 20 from 10am to 5pm followed by a public meeting on February 27, at The Abbey Hotel, on Coronation Road North.