Metal fencing is being erected around a grass field off Kingsley Drive in Harrogate, where 162 homes are set to be built.

The work comes almost a year after the controversial plans, submitted by Persimmon Homes, were approved by the now defunct Harrogate Borough Council.

The fences are being put up by Castleford-based Atkinsons Fencing, whose staff told the Stray Ferret today that the work began on Tuesday, January 9 and is expected to be complete by Wednesday, January 17.

However, the team has not been met with the warmest of welcomes, with one fencer saying "we had fingers thrown at us within the first few minutes".

They said the abusive gestures were mainly from dog walkers, who are upset about the loss of a rare green space in the heavily developed Kingsley area,

The Atkinsons team also said they understood work on the development will begin "very soon after" the fencing is up next week.

Read more:

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The Kingsley saga

The Stray Ferret has followed development in the Kingsley area closely. Residents are acutely frustrated by the ongoing impact of so many new housing schemes.

Persimmon Homes last year pledged to pay more than £1m to local schools as part of its planning agreement.

According to a report written by planning officer Kate Broadbank, the developer will pay £600,00 to Grove Road Primary School, £400,000 to Harrogate Grammar School, Harrogate High and Rossett School, and £120,000 towards early years provisions.

It will also pay a further £220,000 to the NHS for healthcare costs, £150,000 towards Kingsley Drive being resurfaced, and another £80,000 towards a new mini roundabout at the junction of Kinglsey Road and the A59.

The project has certainly not been plain sailing for the company.

It initially lodged plans to build 181 homes in March 2022, however the proposal was met with more than 220 letters of objection from nearby residents and concerns from council officials.

Residents were particularly worried about the impact on nearby routes such as Knaresborough Road and Bogs Lane.

Persimmon reduced the size of the scheme in response to concerns and said the first 92 houses would include air source heat pumps to provide 100% of the heating and hot water. Sixty-five homes will be classed as affordable homes.