A £4 MILLION plan for the city’s racecourse is set to get the go-ahead when it goes before planners today.

City of York Council’s Planning Committee has been recommended to approve the proposals for major investment in the course enclosures - the open air spectators’ area inside the track.

Bosses at the Knavesmire venue want to refurbish the 100-year-old listed Clock Tower - which was designed by famous York architects Brierley and Rutherford - and install new toilet blocks and more food kiosks.

Councillors will consider the plans at a meeting from 4.30pm today and if it gets approval the new facilities should be ready for the 2018 racing season.

Speaking at the time the planning application was submitted, chief executive and clerk of the course, William Derby, said: “It is an area of the racecourse which generations of families and racegoers have enjoyed.

“This scheme seeks to address the challenges of the facilities which are located in the infield.

“It will improve both the physical buildings and standard of facilities for our Course Enclosure racegoers.”

A report compiled by planners has recommended councillors approve the plans.

They believe the proposals will protect and enhance the listed buildings for this and future generations.

As part of the work the clock tower will be repainted and repaired and access will be improved to allow guided tours to view the original work and clock through the removal of the existing steep ‘ladder’ stairs with a modern staircase.

The report says: “The two end bays of the linear building are irreparable and are to be demolished and rebuilt to house new toilet facilities with floor levels raised above flood levels to provide sanitary facilities.”

Historic England has backed changes to the listed structure and says the proposals will enhance the structures, particularly the clock tower and indicator board.

It claims the visual impact of the works and the proposed canopies would be “minor overall” and benefits would result from the removal of the sheds and trailers.