YORK is aiming for the highest level of sports participation in England, but has no plans to provide new facilities to help realise its dream, an inquiry heard.

During a public inquiry into plans for a multimillion-pound sports complex off Wigginton Road, near Clifton Moor, freelance planning consultant Patrick Sutor said the city was less well served than other areas to meet its "ambitious" targets.

Richard Phillips QC, representing the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) which wants to develop the £7 million sports ground, said York needed to have a provision at least equal to or better than that of other towns and cities. York would benefit particularly from the planned cricket, football, and all-weather five-a-side football pitches.

Mr Sutor, who was contracted by the city council to consider the original application, said that although York would welcome some of the facilities laid down in the plan, City of York Council had no plans to develop an alternative sports ground.

Councillors threw out the plan last year because they felt it did not meet the "very special circumstances" needed for building in York's green belt.

But the developers say the Government considers open-air sports facilities as appropriate developments in green belt land.

Officers also said the plan did not include enough transport information, and that the building would affect views of York Minster from the north.

Mr Sutor said it was surprising that the CSSC could not find another suitable site.

The 11-acre complex would include a two-floor sports building with a distinctive metal curved roof, swimming pools, four health and fitness studios, a gym, two squash courts, changing rooms and a sauna, as well as steam, aromatherapy, spa and relaxation rooms.

Mr Phillips said York had no provision for pay-and-play squash and residents often had to join a gym or health club to be able to use the facilities.

The inquiry was being held at the Friends' Meeting House, Friargate, York, and was expected to conclude today.

Updated: 10:44 Thursday, September 02, 2004