DEVELOPERS finally hope to start one of York’s biggest housing schemes this summer – and have already begun roadworks which they say will help prevent flooding of a key route.

Persimmon Homes Yorkshire’s £120m scheme for 655 homes at Germany Beck in Fulford has been beset by delays and controversy - including claims taken to the High Court that the 1066 Battle of Fulford took place there and the site should be protected.

But now managing director Simon Usher has said: “We are hoping to start building houses on the site in August.”

The scheme will include 227 affordable homes, a £1.75m contribution to sports facilities and a £2m contribution to school facilities, and will also create 120 construction jobs.

Mr Usher said work had begun on the nearby A19 - a major route into the city which was blocked by flooding from the River Ouse in both 2012 and 2015.

He said the firm, which is creating an access road into the development from the A19, was currently installing capping beams on the east side of the road.

“Our redevelopment plans will raise the A19, lifting the junction into Germany Beck out of the flood plain, which will have a positive impact on traffic levels in the area and reduce the risk of road closures,” he said.