Decision details

RESOLVED:            (i)            That Option A be approved, that is:

a)to surrender the existing lease for the Racecourse in favour of a new 99 year lease, from 2008;

b)to include the remaining 3 acres of the West Enclosure in the lease, subject to the results of advertising under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972;

c) to increase the number of permitted Race Days as of right to 20, with any others to be subject to approval by the Head of Parks and Open Spaces, in consultation with Officers in City Strategy;

d)to add the ‘Ascot Bend’ to the race track, in exchange for land on the Tadcaster Road straight;

e)to allow up to 10 days for the erection of hospitality marquees and 4 days for removal, instead of the current ‘Race Week’, subject to the approval of the Head of Parks and Open Spaces.

REASON:      To ensure that York Racecourse maintains its position amongst the top courses in the country, whilst at the same time continuing to be a valued local amenity that plays a valuable role in the economic development of the City and brings benefits in a manner that is acceptable to the residents of York.

(ii) That Officers be asked to investigate further options for providing a set of temporary toilets, including bringing back into use the existing toilet block on Knavesmire Road, on major Race Days.

REASON: In order to address Ward Members’ suggestions in this regard and in view of the fact that the Race Committee are not willing to provide toilets in the Scarcroft Hill area and that there is no budget provision for the estimated £8k cost of providing and servicing toilets for the main race meetings.

                        (iii) That the other issues raised by Members be kept under review and addressed as part of any proposed changes to licensing arrangements and planning permissions and / or during traffic management reviews.

REASON:      To ensure that these matters are dealt with in an appropriate context.

                        (iv)       That any further refinement of the ‘off course’ race management arrangements - which may involve additional cost - be submitted as a revenue growth bid as part of the annual budget build process.

REASON:      To ensure that adequate funding arrangements are in place before any changes are agreed.