DEVELOPERS plan to start York’s huge new Germany Beck housing scheme within six months, and say the work will create 2,500 jobs.

Persimmon Homes and Hogg the Builder were granted planning permission last week for the 655-home project in Fulford, despite widespread local opposition.

Simon Usher, Persimmon Homes Yorkshire’s director in charge, said: “We are delighted with the result of the planning committee meeting, and we remained fully committed to the development of the Germany Beck site throughout this entire process.

“Our detailed plans have been carefully designed over a long period, respond sympathetically to the site, can be delivered quickly and will provide much-needed homes to meet local demand. We will be investing about £65 million to progress this site, which will put back in the region of £185 million into York’s local economy.

“Approximately 2,500 jobs will also be created as a result of this scheme, and we hope to start on site in the next six months.”

The plans were voted through 13-2 by councillors last week, after a planning saga stretching back almost 20 years.

Opponents claim the land is the site of the Battle of Fulford in 1066, have said it is on a flood plain and so is unsuitable for housing, and have also raised concerns over traffic and the impact on Fulford’s character.

Fulford Parish Council, which opposed the £65 million scheme, will now discuss the planning decision with its lawyers. Local archaeologist Chas Jones last week unveiled historic artefacts found at the site which he said were evidence Germany Beck was the scene of the battle, although English Heritage said it will not be added to the Register of Historic Battlefields.

Mary Urmston, of Fulford Parish Council, said: “While the planning committee’s decision was not unexpected, it will come as a great disappointment to the community, and we would like to thank all residents for their support in opposing this development over so many years.

“The parish council will now consider the decision very carefully and will be consulting with lawyers.”

Fulford councillor Keith Aspden said he would continue working with residents to air their concerns.