FUNDING from new housing developments near Selby could boost leisure facilities for the community.

Almost 720 houses are planned in two separate projects in Sherburn-in-Elmet, and local politicians hope to secure leisure investment as part of the planning conditions.

Local councillor Mike Jordan said both schemes deserved the village’s support, providing the right benefit for the community was provided.

He said talks were held last week with council officials and councillors, where people tried to set out potential improvements.

He said: “We’re going to get the houses whether we like it or not, so we ought to make sure there’s a good community benefit as a consequence of that.”

One of the ideas suggested was spending developers’ funding on leisure facilities such the Sherburn High swimming pool, which has been threatened with closure.

The pool has been running at a loss of about £13,000 per year, since funding was withdrawn by North Yorkshire County Council in 2010.

Coun Jordan said: “This could save the pool, and make it financially viable. Money would have to be spent, and it is very, very early days.

“It makes absolute sense, rather than people driving hundreds of miles each year to facilities in Tadcaster or Selby.”

Redrow Homes are building 598 homes between Low Street and Moor Lane, and MacGay Wayne Ltd want to build 120 on a neighbouring site, next to Carousel Walk.

Coun Jordan said because the sites were linked the council would defer the applications and probably deal with both at one meeting in September.

The proposals by MacGay Wayne are for 120 two, three and four-bedroom properties, along with investment in the area and a new village green or public space.

Earlier this year, Redrow agreed to fund the “comprehensive redevelopment” of Athelstan Primary School as part of its scheme.