HUNDREDS of residents have opposed plans for a Tour de France viewing hub on a York stray.

A City of York Council licensing hearing tomorrow will decide whether to allow Monk Stray in Heworth Without to be one of the city’s spectator hubs when the race’s opening stages, the Grand Depart, come to York on July 6.

The authority’s plans have drawn 286 representations, mostly objections. Others have said the licensing guidelines for the event must be more stringent.

Many residents claimed they were not properly consulted and only found out when a campsite, proposed for a different part of the stray, was advertised. They claim the hub will cause noise, traffic, crime and anti-social behaviour problems in an area flanked by houses.

The licence application asks for the stray to be used for family events for up to 14 days a year. If granted, alcohol could be sold and music played until 11pm on Sunday, July 6, with late-night refreshment able to be served until 5am between June 28 and July 7. Some objectors are asking why this is necessary for nine nights.

Heworth resident Jane Simcock said events on the stray were “bound to increase public nuisance” and the application was “ill-considered”.

David and Kathleen Yates, who live nearby, said it would “create very significant and unacceptable disruption” and the area was “totally unsuited”, while resident John Tasker said: “The stray provides a valuable and unspoilt amenity to the local community and holding regular events will disrupt our enjoyment of this facility, it is particularly objectionable that it is being done under the guise of the Tour de France.”

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said the council should significantly amend or refuse the application while Heworth Without councillor Nigel Ayre has objected. Heworth councillor Barbara Boyce said limited use of the stray was not unreasonable but it should only be for up to eight days a year and late-night refreshment should not be sold after 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

North Yorkshire Police said the licence could be granted, but 29 conditions which must be met.