PLANS to redevelop the northern end of York Racecourse will be submitted to council chiefs in the next few weeks.

Knavesmire chiefs said, following a “positive” consultation on a £5 million revamp, they hope to hand in a formal planning application to City of York Council “around Christmas time”.

As reported in The Press, the scheme, if given the go-ahead, will transform the facilities for horses, jockeys and officials as well as providing new areas for racegoers to meet, drink and watch the action.

Realigning the northern wall, moving the pre-parade ring to where the saddling boxes are currently situated, building a new weighing room and constructing a new champagne bar are just some of the aspects of the scheme, which would be phased in over several years.

Last week, the racecourse concluded an exhibition where the plans were put on show for the public, who were invited to comment on the track’s plans. James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship, said that consultation had gone well.

“Overall, the development was very positively received,” he said.

“From the comments that have been left with us, visitors were very positive about the improvements for horses and for horsemen and that’s what is at the core of the proposal.

“Of course, people will still be able comment to appropriate council officers. It will be an open consultation and we are not prejudging it but the feedback we have had has been very positive. People said it was a nice scheme and had been carefully thought out. Next, we will consider the consultation results and talk again with planning officers.

“We then go to the next stage of submitting a planning application.

“As a project team, we would like to see those plans submitted at Christmas time – either just before or just after – and people will get another chance to comment in the formal application process.

“But we started the consultation period thinking the plans were the right thing for the horses and for people who come to view the action. We are encouraged that people seem to agree with that.”

The development plans are still available for people to view, and comment on, by visiting the website www.yorkracecourse.co.uk