LICENSING bosses have given York council a permanent right to hold events on Knavesmire - but have restricted the number that can be held in any one year.

The licence for Knavesmire and Bustardthorpe means City of York Council no longer has to apply separately for every event held on the massive public open space.

But a plan for that licence to cover Hob Moor and Little Knavesmire was withdrawn, and members of the licensing committee which met to discuss the council's application ruled that no more than 26 events could be held in a year.

A late-night refreshments proposal was blocked, and spectators will have 30 minutes to drink up when time is called, either at 10pm between Sunday and Thursday or 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Both the council, and South Bank residents who were concerned that a permanent licence would "open the floodgates" for events to be held on land close to homes and flats, said the committee's decision was an acceptable compromise.

The old licensing system meant that each time an event, such as the circus or motor show, was held on Knavesmire the council had to apply for a separate licence to host it.

But the Government has encouraged councils to apply for permanent licences for their own land under new laws - hence the authority's application.

Speaking for some residents, ward councillor Dave Merrett said constituents were concerned at the number of events that would be held if a permanent licence was granted, and were also fearful of extra noise and disturbance.

Earlier, acting licensing officer John Lacy, said that while there was a history of events held on Knavesmire, that had not been the case on Little Knavesmire and Hob Moor.

He said that following mediation, the wider application to hold events on these areas was withdrawn. This was welcomed by residents who attended the hearing.

Announcing the committee's decision, chairman Coun Richard Moore said the authority would also be responsible for daily litter picks both during events and afterwards.

Claire Whittle, a Knavesmire resident who spoke at the hearing, said: "I am pleased to see there will not be any late-night refreshments. There was a degree of success."

Liz Topi, the council's events officer, said: "I am disappointed that late-night refreshments have been excluded but that's no great problem. Otherwise, it was a good compromise."

Updated: 10:20 Saturday, April 22, 2006