YORK'S archaeology expert has said there is no firm evidence the Battle Of Fulford took place on the planned site of a controversial development.

John Oxley, archaeologist for City of York Council, was speaking at the public inquiry into Persimmon Homes' scheme to build 700 houses around Germany Beck at the south of the city.

He said: "It is my opinion that there is no archaeological evidence the application coincides with the site of the Battle Of Fulford."

He told the inquiry the Battle Of Fulford is not listed on English Heritage's register of historic battlefields due to "insufficient evidence."

The inquiry earlier heard from Chas Jones, of the Fulford Battlefield Society, who claimed the site was the likely location for the historic battle of 1066.

But Mr Oxley said no 11th century artefacts or human remains had ever been found on the site.

"Standard archaeological investigation has so far failed to produce any evidence which can be used to locate and map the site of the battle," he said.

He said the location of the Battle Of Fulford relies on interpretations of historical sources.

Mr Oxley said the main finds at the site date from Roman Britain and are important to York's history, but of no national importance.

Michael Rayner, speaking on behalf of The Battlefields Trust, said the location of the site had never been challenged until the house-building plans were put forward.

"When looking at the documentary, landscape and geophysical evidence, there is no other likely candidate for the location of the Battle Of Fulford," he said. "The Battle Of Fulford is often treated as a minor battle of no great significance. This is far from the truth."

The inquiry continues on Monday.