MEMBERS of the public will be able to voice their views on whether a £7 million sports ground should be built in York.

Last year, City of York Council's planning committee threw out plans for an 11-acre Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) ground off Wigginton Road, Clifton Moor.

But now real estate company CB Richard Ellis has appealed to the Secretary of State on behalf of the CSSC, and a public inquiry is due to be held in September.

Councillors rejected the sports complex mainly because it would have been built on York's green belt. Officers also said that the plans did not include enough transport information, and that the building would affect views of York Minster from the north.

But Jason Tait, of CB Richard Ellis, argued in an appeal document that the council's green belt had "yet to be formally adopted".

He continued: "The proposed development raises no conflict with green belt objectives.

"There is a need for this development which will bring significant recreational benefits to the city."

If the sports ground goes ahead, it will include a two-storey sports building containing swimming pools, squash courts and a gym. Outside, there would be football pitches, tennis courts and a cricket pitch, as well as car parking.

York CSSC club chairman Tony Tate said: "There was a lot of support for us from the public which was heartening.

"We're hopeful that the appeal will be successful and it will go ahead.

"At the end of the day it will be a big public facility."

Coun Ann Reid, executive member for planning and transport, said: "Officers will be defending the council's position at the inquiry. The decision is in the hands of the inspector and we will of course abide by it."

The outline appeal is available for viewing in the council's offices at 9 St Leonard's Place, York. Members of the public can phone 01904 551740 to ask to see the files.

Government planning regulations stipulate that a more detailed appeal needs to be submitted at least four weeks before the inquiry.

The inquiry is to be held at 10am on September 1 in the Friends' Meeting House, Friargate, York.

Updated: 08:33 Monday, March 29, 2004