Plans approved for new racecourse security fence

Plans for a new security fence at York Racecourse have been given the go-ahead.

City of York Council has approved an application to install a 230ft (70m) long steel fence at the sporting venue, replacing the existing wooden fence.

It is hoped the new fence will improve the safety of visitors and staff during race days, including stopping cars driving from Car Park C onto Racecourse Road.

The application 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.

The 3ft (1m) high fence will be installed at the southern end of the Knavesmire by Car Park C, which is an informal parking area used on race days.

The application said: "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.

"York Racecourse is engaged in a long-term programme of improvement to the visitor and racing facilities across their estate."

According to York Racecourse, visitor numbers over the 18 race days total more than 300,000, with an economic impact of £58m each year and providing 1,300 full-time equivalent jobs.

Council planning officers stated the proposed fence was considered acceptable and was not inappropriate despite being in the green belt.

The new fence will feature white steel roses placed at intervals along its length as a nod to York's cultural heritage.

A footpath which connects the car park to Racecourse Road also joins onto the Trans Pennine Walking Trail.

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