York St John University is seeking planning permission to replace the existing two outdoor tennis/netball courts with thee indoor tennis courts at the Mille Crux Sports Park at Haxby Road.

The application site comprises of an area occupied by two macadam surfaced outdoor courts to the east of the existing Hub building and sports hall. The courts are used for netball and tennis and are enclosed by 3m fencing and illuminated by 6 floodlights on 10m high masts. The site also includes a strip of playing field to the south of the courts and a section of the footpath to the north of the courts.

The application, which is recommended for approval, is being considered by the local planning committee on 5th December

York St John say they will implement a broad ranging Tennis Development Plan that will help support and maximising tennis participation at the facility for University students and local players of all ages and ability. The Plan will ensure the new facility will secure year round benefits to tennis in York across a wide range of areas, including;

• A student tennis programme providing sessions for players of all standard from recreational tennis to BUCS team matches
• An indoor coaching programme encompassing mini and junior tennis through to adult coaching
• Development of effective links with local schools, providing opportunities for children to try tennis, and participate in programmes and competitions
• Establishing weekly disability coaching sessions and competitions in connection with the York Disability Tennis Network
• Enhance existing tennis programmes/clubs in the area, including the provision of access to local clubs through the winter
• Providing an all year round competition venue, giving players within York and the surrounding area more competitive opportunities and providing a central venue for events
• Providing a facility to host coaching education courses, and establishing and managing a workforce with the skills to facilitate tennis  development

The university have worked in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association and the scheme has been partially funded by them.

The Council says that it is considered appropriate to attach a condition securing adequate community use of the facilities.

Principal (Royal York) Hotel set to expand

The same meeting will hear an application from the Principal Hotel on Station Road to erect a 4-storey extension to create 45 bedrooms and reception/entrance space, reconfigured car parking and landscaping.

This application is also recommended for approval although the York Civic Trust has recorded an objection