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24
Sept
Major plans for former Flaxby golf course will help to secure jobs, says developer
Developers behind plans for a major employment site at Flaxby golf course say the project will help to secure jobs in the area.
Scarborough Group International and Greyfriars Investments have partnered to work on fresh plans for the former golf course site off the junction 47 of the A1(M).
The land is earmarked for a new employment destination, providing modern space for businesses alongside new landscaping, transport infrastructure and environmental improvements.
In total, approximately 810,000 sq ft of employment floorspace is proposed.
At a consultation event at Golsborough Cricket Club yesterday (September 23), project managers overseeing the scheme unveiled plans for the site to the public.
The consultation event for the Flaxby plans held at Goldsborough Cricket Club.
Nicola Bulley, group marketing and business development manager at Scarborough Group International, told the Stray Ferret that the developer had “drawn a line” under previous plans for the site from other developers, which had failed to come to fruition.
The site was subject to High Court legal proceedings in October 2020 after plans to put it forward for a 3,000-home new settlement were turned down by the former Harrogate Borough Council.
Meanwhile, the land was also earmarked for a 400-home eco-resort — but this never moved forward.
Ms Bulley said the aim of the site was to “respond to need” for employment space, which the developer said was lacking in the region.
She said:
The need is there in the local area [for employment space]. Previous plans have tried everything but this.
The developer plans to submit a hybrid application to North Yorkshire Council, which would seek outline permission for the development of the first phase of the scheme.
A computer generated image of the industrial and logistics units proposed for Flaxby Park.
The application would cover employment space on the eastern side of the site — which amounts 99.6 acres.
On its consultation site, the Scarborough Group and Greyfriars Investments said the remainder of the site "continues to be promoted separately through the emerging North Yorkshire Local Plan" as part of a longer-term vision for Flaxby Park.
Ms Bulley said the scheme could support between 1,075 and 2,090 jobs once the sites are fully occupied.
She added that York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority were keen to see employment sites come forward which can support industries such as manufacturing and agri-tech.
Ms Bulley said the developer was already having discussions with potential occupants for the site.
She said:
They do not want to see them [industries] leave the area, so we are just listening to that need.
Scarborough Group International has overseen similar developments in Leeds, such as the The Springs at Thorpe Park.
Ms Bulley said the Flaxby scheme was similar as it would rely on the proximity to the motorway to help its development.
The developer plans to submit a planning application for the site to North Yorkshire Council later this year.
An online consultation into the plans is being held, which will run until October 7. People can have their say on the proposal here.
Adam Varley, develpment director at Scarborough Group, said:
We've worked closely with local stakeholders and community representatives to develop proposals that respond to local priorities while supporting the county's long-term economic ambitions.
We've listened carefully to the issues people have raised, from prioritising and enhancing the landscape and ecology to creating high-quality jobs, carefully considering connectivity and ensuring development comes forward in a considered and phased way.
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