RESIDENTS are cautiously hopeful the long-running Formula One battle of Elvington Airfield may finally be settled - in six months time.

For years, the communities of Elvington and Wheldrake have complained about the deafening noise of motor racing testing and other motor sport activities on the airfield near their homes.

A legal battle began in 2005 when the council served a noise abatement order on the airfield after residents complained about noise from the site.

A district judge imposed restrictions in November 2006, after which owners Elvington Park Ltd lodged an appeal.

The appeal was due to be heard at York Crown Court yesterday. But the case was instead adjourned for six months, with Elvington Park Ltd today seeking to agree on a plan with City of York Council that will limit the noisy activities that can take place - and how often.

The agreement is expected to include a limit of ten days Formula One testing per year - last year there were 26 according to local residents - no more than 16 days of Auto66 and related meetings, at least one silent weekend and one low-level noise weekend each month, and a ruling on how the noise level will be monitored by City of York Council. Details were still being decided today.

The agreement will run for a six-month trial period before a resumed hearing at York Crown Court starting on June 30.

In May, the companies and City of York Council, on behalf of the community, will update Recorder Timothy Roberts QC on the agreement's progress.

Sitting with two magistrates, he yesterday told the opposing sides: "It seems to us to be in everyone's interests that there is clarity and focus on understanding about the real human issues in this case."

He welcomed what he called the "sea change" by the companies towards the dispute and the increased discussion between the sides outside the courtroom.

He attacked the length of time the legal battle had taken and its huge pile of paperwork which includes 2,000 pages of evidence, technical calculations, legal arguments and other matters.

Ian Bailey, chairman of Elvington Parish Council, said afterwards: "Not everyone will be happy with it. It has taken about five years. I believe it will be acceptable to the community.

"It is as acceptable as the local community could expect to have."