A REVIEW has been launched by English Heritage which could scupper controversial plans for the Germany Beck housing project in York.

A planning row has centred on the land earmarked for about 700 houses on the outskirts of York, which campaigners maintain is the site of the Battle of Fulford in 1066.

Now English Heritage - which admits the site remains “the most likely candidate” for the Battle of Fulford - has confirmed it is undertaking a review of its decision not to officially designate the land as a battlefield and is due to look at evidence submitted by Chas Jones of the Fulford Battlefield Society again.

If the land is added to the Register of Historic Battlefields, planning permission approved by the Government in 2007 following a public inquiry would have to be reviewed.

The move could halt the housing development which has already been put on hold by Persimmon Homes during the economic downturn.