Plans for new security have been given the go-ahead at a major York venue.
City of York Council has approved plans to install a 70m-long steel fence, replacing a wooden one at York’s Knavesmire racecourse which runs between Racecourse Road and the site’s Car Park C.
The application stated it aimed to improve the safety of visitors and staff during race days, including by stopping cars potentially driving from Car Park C onto Racecourse Road.
Council planning officers stated the proposed fence was considered acceptable and was not inappropriate despite being in the green belt.
The plans are set to see a 1m-high fence installed at the southern end of the Knavesmire by Car Park C which is an informal parking area used on race days.
A footpath which connects the car park to Racecourse Road also joins onto the Trans Pennine Walking Trail.
Steel roses painted white will be fitted along the side of the fence at intervals along the fence.
Plans stated the current timber fence was unable to meet the racecourse’s security needs and had had to be bolstered by temporary anti-vehicle blocks.
They added the rose detailing aimed to connect with York’s cultural heritage.
The application stated: “York Racecourse is one of the leading racecourses in the world and is a regular winner of UK Racecourse of the Year, having a proud tradition of staging the best of flat racing from May to October.
“Visitor numbers of more than 300,000 over 18 racedays help support an
economic impact of £58m per annum equating to 1,300 full time equivalent jobs.
“York Racecourse is engaged in a long-term programme of improvement to the visitor and racing facilities across their estate.
“York Racecourse Ltd seeks to install a 70m security fence which will be a part of its security plan, which aims to improve the safety of visitors and staff during race days.”
