PLANS for hundreds of new homes at the former British Sugar site will be submitted in spring next year with work to begin in the autumn.

The proposed time frame for the development, which will be one of the biggest in York’s history with 1,300 homes, was outlined by Coun Alexander.

He said that subject to planning permission, building work could start in autumn next year, with the proposals for the site also set to feature a large supermarket, bringing more jobs.

Associated British Foods, the owners of the site off Boroughbridge Road, met the council for pre-planning talks, and confirmed they will submit a formal planning application next spring, following “extensive community consultation”.

The factory closed in 2007, and demolition work started the following year.

The scheme for the 42 hectares of land, which also includes the old Manor School site, is expected to include as many as 1,300 family homes, a retail centre including business space, restaurants and bars, a “community hub”, and a new road through the old school site.

The council has earmarked the site as being pivotal to its aim of 22,000 new homes being built in York by 2030.