Plans for a massive 700-home housing development have been lodged with City of York Council.

But defiant villagers, worried about the impact of the controversial scheme in an area they say is prone to flooding, have promised to step up their fight against the proposal.

Builder Persimmon is behind the idea of a large estate at Germany Beck in Fulford, including 700 houses, open space and shops.

Its scheme has now appeared on the council's planning list, and will be discussed by councillors in the coming months.

Campaigner Brian Smith says he and other Fulford residents will keep a close eye on the plans and lodge their objections at a later date.

"We will be making sure our voice gets heard as this consultation goes ahead," he told the Evening Press.

Ian Hessay, deputy managing director of Persimmon (Yorkshire), said: "Persimmon can confirm that it has submitted plans for the development of 700 homes at the Germany Beck site.

"As a matter of course, the planning process will involve public consultation and any concerns brought to our attention during that process will be given due consideration."

Ian Thomson, City of York Council's assistant director of planning, said: "The proposals will be considered on the planning issues and the planning issues alone.

"There will be full consultation on this."

Mr Thomson said the consultation would begin shortly, although a timescale for committee discussions had not yet been set.

Mr Smith's main concerns, like those of his neighbours, are access and flooding risks posed by the development.

Residents believe the current access plans, which feature just one entrance near the junction of Main Street and Fordlands Road, are insufficient.

Mr Thomson said: "The submitted plans do show one access point, and obviously that will be discussed during the consultation.

"With regard to flooding, we will be consulting with the Environment Agency and the Drainage Board and taking on board their latest advice, following last November's floods."

Updated: 11:10 Friday, May 25, 2001