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A 6,000 seat community stadium in York is a "major step closer" to completion with the submission of a planning application by developers, Oakgate Ltd.

The City of York Council is aiming to finish the stadium and county athletics facility at Monks Cross by 2014.

It is expected to create some 300 jobs and provide a home for both York City FC and York City Knights RLC.

Both clubs have previously said that a new stadium was the only way to guarantee their long-term futures.

The council said the project was a "priority" which would provide benefits for those living in the area.

Project manager, Tim Atkins, said: "Today's announcement is a result of a great deal of work undertaken by the partners involved in this exciting project, which is now a major step closer to being a reality."

The application will go through the due planning process and will be considered by the Planning Committee.