PROTESTERS have met with councillors on playing fields affected by a controversial proposal for a 'centre of excellence' for tennis in York.

But more than a dozen Windmill Lane residents have hit back in support of the plans, which are being put forward by ex-Wimbledon star David Lloyd's Next Generation Clubs Limited, and the College of Ripon and York St John.

Local residents met with members of City of York Council's planning committee as they visited the site yesterday afternoon to voice opposition.

But their voices were counteracted by supporters who came to the site in the evening.

Planners are being recommended to refer the plans to the Secretary of State and, if he has no wish to call in the application, to approve them.

But planning committee chairman Dave Merrett told the dozens of residents who met on the site in the afternoon, that the visit was for information only.

He said: "The purpose is to see the site, to understand the details of the application and to hear the comments of the objectors.

"We are not here to make a decision, that will be dealt with at the planning committee meeting on Thursday."

Next Generation's plans have sparked 48 letters of objection from people worried about problems including increased traffic congestion and pollution and the loss of open space.

But the council has also received 11 letters of support, claiming York needs an indoor tennis centre.

Fiona Himsworth, of Windmill Lane, said: "We need this sports centre located centrally - not stuck out in some retail or industrial park.

"Having attended the two public meetings on this matter, I have been most impressed at the way the developers have taken on board comments made by the public and in particular, how they revamped the whole site to sort out traffic concerns and to accommodate the Respite Centre." Julia Wright has lived in Windmill Lane for 45 years. She said: "If anybody should be opposed to any more change, I should.

"But this plan is sensible and retains some grass land for us to use.

Picture - Supporters of the tennis centre development scheme make their point at the site in Windmill Lane, York Picture: Paul Baker