Selby district is set for its biggest-ever housing boom, after plans to build more than 2,000 homes were approved.

Work is now expected to start on two new "villages" - one near Abbots Road, Selby, and one at Sherburn-in-Elmet - by the end of the year.

They will be built in phases over the next ten years, at a cost of about £300 million.

The development "briefs", put together after a public consultation exercise, were given the green light by Selby District Council's policy and resources committee.

Only two minor amendments were made to the plans. Councillors insisted that every phase of both developments should include low-cost social housing.

Nearly 300 of the 1,200 houses to be built on land at Staynor Hall, between Bawtry Road and Abbots Road, will be so-called affordable housing for sale or rent, as will 300 of the 1,100 homes to be built at Sherburn.

Councillors also voted to include a legal clause in the developers' contracts, requiring them to increase the number of car parking spaces at Selby Railway Station and in Sherburn village centre.

The blueprint for the 140-acre Staynor Hall site includes terraced, semi-detached and detached properties, to be built by Persimmon Homes and ranging from £70,000 to £150,000 at today's values.

A new primary school is also a possibility, along with a pub, shops, community centre with health care facilities, footpath links and safe cycle routes.

Councillors recommended that 12 acres be set aside for sports pitches and recreational space, and eight acres for up to nine play areas.

The 108-acre site at Sherburn-in-Elmet, between Moor Lane and Low Street, will be developed by Redrow Homes, in conjunction with Persimmon Homes.

A new school is proposed, along with a pub, shops and at least two more GPs.

About 17 acres have been set aside for recreational open space and play areas.

The two schemes will play a major role in the council meeting its target of more than 3,000 new homes over the next four years.

Updated: 14:16 Friday, July 11, 2003