Plans approved for multi-million pound retirement village in North Yorkshire

Plans have been approved for the construction of a new retirement village on derelict land near Selby.

The multi-million pound development at Gateforth Park will comprise 168 residential park homes, along with a reception building, shop and meeting area, public and private amenity space and a village green.

York House Leisure (YHL), which runs retirement and holiday parks across Yorkshire and Scotland, announced that the plans received unanimous approval by Selby council.

YHL is set to transform the 45-acre site of a former mushroom farm into an environmentally-friendly park to include water features, lakes, and other measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity.

The new retirement village will create four to six operational jobs, with many more during  construction.

Phil Brierley, director of York House Leisure, said: “Despite the derelict state of Gateforth Park as a consequence of various acts of vandalism and fly-tipping, we recognised the potential of the site. Its  great location and attractive environment offers us the opportunity to create a very special retirement village, and to really enhance the surrounding area.

“We are absolutely delighted that our plans for Gateforth Park have been approved and we can’t wait to start work on the site.”

Christopher Harrison, an agricultural and landed estates partner with Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, led the legal team that advised YHL on its acquisition.

Harrison added: “We are absolutely delighted for our clients that their vision for Gateforth Park can now  become a reality. The site was only attractive to a client who could see beyond its current state and realise the development opportunity for the community of what is a well located and potentially attractive site.”