IT is still more than a year-and-half away but the preparations for bringing Royal Ascot to the region are gaining momentum.

The planning application to complete the loop of York's Knavesmire course has been registered with the local authority.

Talks have also begun about how to deal with the large influx of people and traffic expected to visit the area in June 2005.

The Knavesmire, which is often called the Ascot of the North, will host the meeting while Ascot undergoes a £180m redevelopment.

The planning proposal is for a temporary, five-year extension of the track to form a continuous course that can accommodate races over longer distances.

People are being invited to comment on the scheme and a decision is expected early next year.

As well as the planning application, work on a traffic management plan and an associated impact assessment for the race meeting is a key priority for the city council.

Director of environment and development Roy Templeman said: "The council is very much aware of concerns amongst local residents, especially those adjoining the racecourse, regarding the potential impact on their areas.

"This is being addressed through discussions involving Ascot, York racecourse and the police."

Detailed work has begun by consultants appointed by Ascot, who are working with the council.

"The aim is to have a scheme that is effective both in terms of the needs generated by the race meeting and the needs of residents and businesses," said Mr Templeman.

The ideas being adopted are to take traffic to the racecourse via the A64, to avoid race traffic going into the city and to protect residential areas near the racecourse.

"The proposals will be discussed with local residents once the detail has been worked out," said Mr Templeman.

"Both racecourses, the police and the council have expressed a clear commitment to discuss these and other issues with local residents."

* The planning application can be viewed at the council's offices at 9 St Leonard's Place, York.