A MULTI-MILLION pound sports complex planned for a site on greenbelt land has finally been given the go-ahead.

The Planning Inspectorate has decided that the Civil Service Sports Council application meets the "very special circumstances" needed to build on the land, near Clifton Moor, on the outskirts of York.

But before building begins, a "pay and play" scheme must be established to allow non-club members to use the sporting facilities.

Malton-based developer S Harrison Development Limited will also have to submit a landscaping scheme and travel plan to be approved by the local authority.

The development will include 12 all-weather five-a-side football pitches, two more football pitches, a cricket square and four all-weather tennis courts.

The 11-acre complex will also have a two-storey sports building with a distinctive metal curved roof, swimming pools, four health and fitness studios, a gymnasium, two squash courts, changing rooms, a sauna, and steam, aromatherapy, spa and relaxation rooms.

A crche, bistro, bar and offices will also be included.

The appeal decision said the council did not have a strategy or programme to meet the need for more football and cricket pitches.

It said that at certain times, the sports facilities would be offered to schools free of charge and that about 70 jobs would be created.

Councillors rejected the plan last year, saying they did not include enough transport information and that the building would affect views of York Minster from the north.