DEVELOPERS plan to start work on a huge new housing scheme within six months - and say the work will create 2,500 jobs.

Persimmon Homes and Hogg the Builder were granted planning permission last week for the 655-home Germany Beck project in Fulford, York, despite widespread local opposition.

Persimmon’s director in charge Simon Usher said they had been fully committed to the scheme thr0oughotu the long planning process.

“Our detailed plans have been carefully designed over a long period, respond sympathetically to the site, can be delivered quickly and will provide much-needed homes to meet local demand,” he said.

“We will be investing about £65m to progress this site, which will put back in the region of £185m into York’s local economy.

“Approximately 2,500 jobs will also be created as a result of this scheme, and we hope to start on site in the next six months.”

The plans were voted through 13-2 last week, after a planning saga stretching back almost 20 years.

Opponents claim the land is the site of the Battle of Fulford in 1066, have said it is on a flood plain and so is unsuitable for housing, and have also raised concerns over traffic and the impact on Fulford’s character.