PLANS to extend Knavesmire to allow Royal Ascot to come to York in 2005 are now being considered by council chiefs.

The Evening Press can today reveal more details surrounding the application to complete the loop of the track at York Racecourse.

York Race Committee has asked for a temporary, five-year, extension of the track to form a continuous course - allowing it to accommodate races over longer distances.

Several of Royal Ascot's key races are run over two miles, longer than the present Knavemire course.

The application will be subject to full consultation, with local residents and interested parties able to view the plans.

A decision is expected early in the New Year.

In parallel with the planning process, work on the traffic management plan and the impact of the race meeting is forging ahead.

City of York Council officials have indicated that access to the racecourse, expected to be achieved from the A64, will be a top priority.

Roy Templeman, the council's director of environment and development services, said: "The council is very much aware of concerns among local residents, especially those adjoining the racecourse, regarding the potential impact on their areas.

"This is being addressed through discussions involving Ascot, York Racecourse and the police.

"Detailed work is currently under way through consultants appointed by Ascot, working closely with the council.

"The aim is to have a scheme that is effective in terms of the needs generated by the race meeting and the needs of residents and businesses."

The application, if passed, will extend the track from the winning post to link with the back straight at the mile-and-a-half start position.

The new running rails which will be installed on the new curve will also have removable sections allowing access to that part of Knavesmire on non-race days.

The plans are not expected to impinge on car parking provision during race-days, although a couple of the 30 football pitches on Knavesmire may have to be removed for the new turf, which is a mixture of specialist grass and sand.

Updated: 08:37 Friday, December 05, 2003