YORK Racecourse is opposing plans for a children's play area near the racetrack, claiming it could present a hazard to speeding racehorses.

City of York planning councillors are being urged to approve the under-sevens fenced play area, proposed for Middlethorpe Common, Green Lane, when it meets tomorrow.

But York Race Committee claims the proposed play area would be too close to the racetrack, presenting "an unacceptable hazard to racehorses as they gallop past at high speed."

They also believe play items would obscure the view of the seven-furlong start for racecourse stewards and officials, the site would be an obstruction to emergency vehicles and TV cameras, and it would attract vandals and drug addicts.

Nearby farmers Knowles & Son are also concerned that the site is too near their farmland, meaning children may be harmed by chemical spraying.

The Middlethorpe Play Area Committee, which is made up of Dringhouses residents, has been campaigning for a children's facility since last year, but their initial application was deferred because of opposition over boundaries by York Race Committee last September.

The revised site was agreed at the Micklegate Neighbourhood Forum, and was supported by a 202-name petition.

The council's development control officer, Roger Armistead, is recommending the plans for approval, saying: "It is usually difficult to find an acceptable location for a children's play area which should be safely accessible to young children and parents and not be a cause of nuisance to other residents.

"The harm to horseracing, farming, wildlife, hotel and other recreational interests which have been expressed would not appear to be justified in planning terms."

Committee members were visiting the site today to assess any conflict which may arise from the racecourse and play area.

Play area committee organiser Mary Joyce said: "I'm really happy they have recommended to approve it because we desperately need a play area.

"I think this site is the only option for a play facility in this area. Nobody wants them near their house.

"I can't see the site being a danger to racehorses. On race days people are allowed to watch the action from the fences so us having a playground can't be any distraction or danger to them."