THE battle to build a massive new settlement to the west of York is hotting up.

Developers behind plans for 2,750 homes on a former golf course at Flaxby Park, just off the A59 and A1, say they have housebuilders ready to start work on site "as soon as planning permission is secured".

And they claim the infrastructure is already in place at Flaxby, unlike rival schemes for new settlements in the Green Hammerton and Cattal areas - locations which are recommended for a new settlement in Harrogate Borough Council’s draft Local Plan but which face fierce objections from local residents.

Chris Musgrave, of Flaxby Park Ltd, said he believed it held the key to unlock the council’s under delivery of new housing stock, as well as generating approximately £4.9 million in council tax each year.

He said the scheme - for which a planning application was submitted at the end of last year - would include a retirement village, two primary schools, a GP surgery, sports facilities, a new village centre and significant improvements to local transport links, and more than 50 per cent of the site would consist of green open space.

“Like many local authorities, Harrogate has to increase the supply of local houses in order to meet growing demand for homes. Building 2,750 new homes at Flaxby Park would immediately reduce Harrogate Borough Council’s target by almost 20 per cent, giving it a much more achievable goal, as well as solving its housing problem in the short-term.

“Crucially, Flaxby Park would also start generating substantial council tax payments as soon as the first houses complete, which would significantly benefit the Harrogate district as a whole.

“The development would be an exceptional place to live, and it has been designed to maximise its magnificent parkland setting, with lots of green space. It will bring major economic benefits to the surrounding area and we are ready to deliver it.”

He said the scheme would lead to the reopening of the former Goldsborough Railway Station on the York-Harrogate line and also improve access at the entrance of the site, which already offered easy access to junction 47 of the A1(M).