DEVELOPERS have started laying the ground for the next stage of work on the former Terry’s chocolate factory site in York, which is set to see 239 new homes built.

Henry Boot Developments Ltd and York-based David Wilson Homes bought the 27-acre Bishopthorpe Road site from its previous owners, GHT Developments LLP, last spring.

The first phase of the Chocolate Works project is now under way after planning permission for 57 houses and 28 apartments and a small supermarket was granted before Christmas.

Agents acting for David Wilson Homes, which is developing the South Bank end of the site next to Campleshon Road, have now asked City of York Council planners for a “screening opinion” – covering issues such as environmental matters – for the second stage of the scheme, ahead of submitting a full planning application for 123 houses and 116 apartments.

The work would not focus on the former factory buildings themselves, including the famous Terry’s clock tower.

Henry Boot will take responsibility for redeveloping this part of the site through a separate stage of the project and is weighing up its plans.

The overall scheme will create 200 construction jobs.

In its submission, consultants Keogh Planning said the second stage of the development will have 261 parking spaces as well as open space.

It said: “This application essentially comprises the next and final phase of residential development on the northern half of the Terry’s site.

“Initial discussions on traffic and transportation issues have been undertaken with the council’s highways officers. The parking provision for the units proposed by this application and the 85 units approved as part of phase one totals 369 spaces.”

The site already has outline planning permission.

It was granted in 2010 at the second attempt after councillors had controversially voted down the original scheme by GHT’s forerunners Grantside 18 months earlier.

The plans include a mixture of uses, including homes, offices, shops and hotels.

Fresh planning consent is needed for the details and layout of the new homes at the South Bank end of the site, and detailed plans for the renovation and use of the iconic, Grade II-listed factory buildings will also have to be submitted.