A FORMER mine near York could become a glamping site.

A planning application has been submitted for a campsite at the former North Selby Mine near Escrick, with tourism bosses saying the proposals could bring up to £11 million to the area.

The site, between Escrick and Wheldrake, operated as a deep coal mine until 1999 and the land was abandoned in 2000 after the mine shaft machinery was removed and the shafts were capped.

Harworth Estates Investments has now applied for permission to turn the site into a campsite with room for 25 caravan or glamping pitches, 15 static caravans and a cafe or bar and shop.

A tourism statement says: “North Selby Mine once played a key role in the local economy providing jobs for local people. The proposed development of the site will once again enable it to play a more significant role in the local economy. It will create new jobs in hospitality, in tourism and in estate management.”

It adds that the campsite would provide extra accommodation for visitors to York, supporting shops, attractions and restaurants in the city.

Planning documents say the site lies in the Green Belt between City of York Council’s boundary and Selby District Council’s area.

It adds that there is currently planning permission for an anaerobic digestion plant and glasshouse scheme on the land.

But under the campsite plans, the plot would be divided into three zones - woodland, bowl and valley - and new ponds will be installed as well as trees and hedgerows planted.

A statement from Tourism UK says: “In total, therefore, it is estimated that visitors to the development will result in expenditure of around £11 million. Given the lack of similar facilities in the area within such close proximity to the city it could be argued that the site is a unique addition to the York offer and will draw new visitors to the area.”

The campsite is expected to create 16 jobs. Planning documents say North Selby Coal Mine was the most northern pit in the Selby coalfield, with coal being sent by train to supply five power stations.

The site is about six miles south of York and is approximately 37 hectares. The existing site includes the remains of the mine, several buildings, former parking areas and demolition rubble. The planning application has been submitted to both Selby and York councils.