YORK has almost certainly been given the green light to hold Royal Ascot in 2005, after planning chiefs gave the Berkshire-based racecourse approval for a £160 million refit.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has agreed to grant planning permission for Ascot's detailed application, subject to legal agreements. The decision, which was granted earlier than anticipated, means that Ascot should close down for its redevelopment in September, with the Royal Meeting travelling to Knavesmire in 2005. York race chiefs have been wondering whether they would hold the event in 2005 or 2006 depending on the time it took for Ascot's plans to go through the planning process.

Now they can move forward with confidence knowing that the event is set to be held between June 14 and 18. Douglas Erskine-Crum, chief executive of Ascot Racecourse, said: "It is important that the planning officers for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead receive appropriate thanks for considering and assessing what is a very detailed application so quickly.

"They have been mindful that we need to start the redevelopment proper in the autumn to enable us to reopen in time for the Royal Ascot 2006 and worked tirelessly to bring this application to the panel.

"Needless to say, we are delighted that the panel unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for the detailed scheme, as indeed they did when they considered the outline planning application in August last year.

William Derby, chief executive at York Racecourse, said: "We are on course. We have always had 2005 in mind and were prepared to drop back to 2006 if needed.

"That seems less of a probability now and we are delighted about that.

"We are really looking forward to getting the final green light for the event."

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, March 04, 2004