The track would be the first all-weather course in the North West

The course is proposed for a site between Worsley and Boothstown in Salford, and developers say it could cater for up to 20,000 race goers.

Owners of the Trafford Centre and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Peel Holdings, are behind the plans.

The company put forward similar plans two years ago, but they were withdrawn after residents objected to potential traffic and pollution problems.

The site earmarked for the Manchester Racecourse is an area of greenbelt and woodland.

The plans include a floodlit oval racetrack with a 6,000 capacity grandstand, a four-star hotel and an 18-hole golf course.

The last time horses raced in Salford was at Castle Irwell in 1963

If it gets the go-ahead, Peel Holdings say it will create around 500 jobs in the region.

The course will allow flat racing on grass and an international standard eventing course.

The North West already has tracks at Aintree, Chester, Cartmel and Haydock Park, but Manchester racecourse would be the first all-weather track.

The last time horse racing took place in Greater Manchester was in 1963 at the former Castle Irwell Racecourse in Lower Broughton.

The site is now used as student halls of residence by The University of Salford.