[4] In 1994, an Early Iron Age farmstead of the 7th–6th centuries BC was discovered by archaeologists, but the site was abandoned until the late Roman period.The developers have announced their intention to build 2,500 - 3,000 homes on 440 acres (180 ha) of land that would also see a primary school, a medical centre, leisure facilities and numerous shops and bars.[6] The development would also include a bus park and ride system with the possibility of a new railway station on the York to Harrogate line.[7][8] In 2017, Harrogate Borough Council opted to put forward a housing scheme at nearby Cattal called Maltkiln, instead of the development at Flaxby.[9] Modular house-builder Ilke Homes built a factory at Flaxby which was opened by Communities Secretary James Brokenshire in December 2018.