SOMETHING this big was never going to pass without controversy. And so it is that the proposed 700-home development on York's outskirts has had a troubled history.

Many residents in Fulford have in the past been antagonistic towards the planned Persimmon development at Germany Beck. Now a new set of proposals has been put forward which may win round the doubters.

As part of what looks like an imaginative trade-off, Persimmon would fund new sports facilities for both local residents and schoolchildren. The exact details are still under negotiation, but the facilities could include an indoor sports hall, an astroturf pitch, improved and properly-drained football and cricket pitches, and a clubhouse.

The sports facility proposals would cost at least £1.5 million and would be largely funded by Persimmon Homes as part of a planning legal agreement between City Of York Council and the developers.

Instead of devoting space in the planned development to playing fields, Persimmon would improve and develop the existing grounds and facilities at the nearby Fulford School.

An extra £1 million is also being made available to help Fulford School and St Oswald's Primary School cope with the hundreds of extra pupils who would be generated by the new development.

Millions more would also be contributed towards improving local roads, including a new access road and - in recognition of worries from some residents - on flood mitigation measures.

A thriving city such as York needs new development, yet open space also remains at a premium. The balance between pushing the city forward and maintaining valuable open space is never easy. Few big developments are warmly welcomed by those who will live nearby, yet York cannot afford to stand still. New homes are needed but their development must be monitored.

At least the Germany Beck proposal, while undoubtedly on an enormous scale, would see the community gaining something to compensate for the loss of open space.

Updated: 12:23 Tuesday, April 29, 2003