THE building of Hambleton district’s largest housing estate will start near Thirsk this week, 14 months after councillors gave the scheme the go-ahead.

The first phase of the controversial 925-home Sowerby Gateway scheme will see 107 houses and 4,400sq metres of commercial buildings, including 15 incubator units off Topcliffe Road, built.

The development, which was passed by councillors despite fierce opposition from some residents, will also include a major change to the nearby A168 junction, south-west of Sowerby.

Mulberry Homes Yorkshire, which includes Broadacres Housing Association and Colburn-based developers Castlevale, has agreed to complete the four-way junction within six months of the first house being occupied on the 56-hecatre site.

It is understood building work has been delayed as the Highways Agency did not approve the plans until last August, after which the developers waited for the conclusion of a 90-day judicial review call-in period.

Later phases of the scheme have yet to be granted planning permission, will see a £2.5m primary school, a parade of shops, a doctors’ surgery, a community centre and public recreation facilities.