Motocross plan refused (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Motocross plan refused

3:20pm Saturday 1st August 2009

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A PLAN to host motocross races near Winchester was thrown out amid controversial scenes last week.

Planning member Barry Lipscomb quit the meeting shortly before his fellow councillors unanimously rejected an application to hold races at Three Maids Hill, near the A34.

Legal chiefs told Cllr Lipscomb — who represents South Wonston, one of the areas up- in-arms about the motocross events — it looked like he had pre-determined the application. His counterpart, Cllr Ian Tait, raised an objection after it appeared Cllr Lipscomb was reading from a script.

“I think the difficulty could be with the perception of pre-determination,” said Bill Lynds, principal legal officer for Winchester City Council.

“It’s not something I have brought along to read parrot fashion,” said Cllr Lipscomb, referring to his notes.

“I’m deeply disappointed, but in the circumstances I have no option but to withdraw from this process.”

His departure added more spice to an already contentious issue — more than 2,000 people commented on Tony Child’s application, and 200 attended last Thursday’s meeting at The Guildhall.

Ward councillors, businesses and parish councils, all spoke against the proposal saying the noise from the site was unacceptable.

“This is not a facility for local people, this is a regional facility,” said Cllr Kelsie Learney, Littleton and Harestock’s representative on the city council.

But Simon Browne, speaking in favour of the proposal, said: “This facility is one of very few in the country of this standard.”

The applicants were asking for permanent permission to host races at the site. A temporary, five-year licence expired in April.

Their plans involved having an extra circuit and hosting more corporate days with 4x4s and quad bikes.

Phil Tidridge, environmental health officer at the city council, said the extra track would not make a difference to the noise.

But he added putting more trees around the border of the site would “stop noise like a colander stops water”.

Cllr Karen Barratt, announcing she was going to vote against the scheme, said: “I think what is beyond doubt is the impact of the noise on residents’ properties is significant and unacceptable.”

“I’m very reluctantly going to support the officers’ recommendation to refuse,” said Cllr Ian Tait.

“We can’t overcome the noise issue.”

Cllr Georgina Busher said: “It’s a hugely successful operation and no wonder they want to expand. I’m sure the young enjoy it and I’m all in favour of this sort of thing.

“But the noise is the principle issue. I don’t think we can expect the locals to endure this any longer.”

Speaking after the meeting, applicant Mr Child said he would be appealing against the decision.

Responding to the vote, he added: “It wasn’t anything we didn’t expect.”

Steve Brine, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Winchester, said: “I am pleased the planning committee has made such a clear statement that this motocross track is in the wrong place.

“Motocross is an exciting and challenging pursuit with many devoted followers, but allowing a major track near to 3,000 homes will continue to cause too many problems.”

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