A SECOND maize maze plan for York looks set to be turned down.

The proposal is for a 143m by 308m deep maze to be situated in a maize field off Towthorpe Lane, in Strensall.

But City of York Council planners have recommended refusal because of the traffic congestion they say it would cause on the A64.

A council spokesman said: "Maize maze is likely to attract high visitor numbers and given its location a high number of people would travel there by car.

"This will have a particular impact on the junction with the A64 which is approximately 150 metres to the east.

"This is a busy junction and the Highways Agency are responsible for the A64 as it has trunk road status.

"The agency are unable to support the application and have requested further information in the way of a transport assessment.

"This stance is supported by the council's highway officers who are concerned at the lack of information and detail submitted with the application which makes it almost impossible for the council to make a proper and detailed assessment of the issue."

Car parking was also stated as a concern as the applicant Aiden Beattie said he expected 200 visitors a day, but the number of car parking spaces provided was only 100.

The report did however support the application as a sustainable use of the land and stated the problem may be resolved if further information is submitted.

Mr Beattie said he was "very disappointed" that the application had been recommended for refusal but that he would look into submitting another application and would also consider another plot of land.

Mr Beattie, who works in agricultural animal feeds, said: "I am disappointed because this would have provided York with an extra leisure facility that kids would be able to use in the school holidays.

"I can't see how it would have increased traffic on the A64 as most York people would use the other road to it through Strensall."

Mr Beattie said he had the idea for the maze some time before the first one came to York.

The application will be heard a 4.30pm on Thursday, July 26.