Post by Nevs on Jul 4, 2006 15:20:48 GMT
Councillors on a planning sub committee meeting last night voted in favour of a new track being built.
Todays press report.
Falcons soar over first hurdle in track project
EXETER Falcons have flown over an obstacle in their plans to set up a brand new speedway track, despite opposition from a charity based near the site.
Councillors at a planning sub-committee meeting at Chudleigh Town Hall last night voted in favour of the Falcons’ bid to build a new track at Exeter Racecourse off the A38, on Haldon Hill.
Both Allen Trump, owner of the Falcons, and Claire Boyce, representing the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund, which runs the Harcombe Therapy Centre, had their say before a decision was made.
The track would be created about 1,400m from Harcombe House, where the charity provides residential care for injured firefighters.
And Miss Boyce said the noise would distress clients so much that the charity would consider moving away, leading to job losses in the area, if it was built.
But town councillors voted 6-2 in favour of the development.
They backed the project on condition that Teignbridge District Council, which must now consider the plan, monitored noise at the track and stopped fans driving through back roads after meetings.
Mr Trump claimed the charity was using emotive images of suffering firefighters, rather than concentrating on facts. He said speedway had managed to survive for decades at its former County Ground site in St Thomas, in a built-up residential area, with hardly any complaints, and pointed out that the new site would be more isolated.
He said there would only be weekly meetings, and sound tests using bikes showed they could not be heard at Harcombe House. The nearby A38 posed more of a noise pollution problem.
He claimed the charity also had a commercial interest in its site, because it rented out chalets to fire service beneficiaries.
Miss Boyce told the committee that its own independent tests showed there would be noise pollution.
She added that the priority was helping patients, which was why money was raised from renting out chalets.
And she said that if the plans were passed: “The charity would have no alternative but to seek premises elsewhere. It is a significant employer in the area.”
Concerns were also raised about the impact of noise upon wildlife. But councillors were told speedway would provide up to 30 people with casual work on race nights, including Chudleigh residents.
Cllr Doug Laing said: “I’m impressed by the fact that most tracks are in major conurbations and do not seem to be a problem.”
Mr Trump told the Echo later that he hoped the Teignbridge council would reach a decision by August so that the new track could be open by next April if the application was successful.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted with tonight’s decision.”
Fingers and everything crossed now.
Todays press report.
Falcons soar over first hurdle in track project
EXETER Falcons have flown over an obstacle in their plans to set up a brand new speedway track, despite opposition from a charity based near the site.
Councillors at a planning sub-committee meeting at Chudleigh Town Hall last night voted in favour of the Falcons’ bid to build a new track at Exeter Racecourse off the A38, on Haldon Hill.
Both Allen Trump, owner of the Falcons, and Claire Boyce, representing the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund, which runs the Harcombe Therapy Centre, had their say before a decision was made.
The track would be created about 1,400m from Harcombe House, where the charity provides residential care for injured firefighters.
And Miss Boyce said the noise would distress clients so much that the charity would consider moving away, leading to job losses in the area, if it was built.
But town councillors voted 6-2 in favour of the development.
They backed the project on condition that Teignbridge District Council, which must now consider the plan, monitored noise at the track and stopped fans driving through back roads after meetings.
Mr Trump claimed the charity was using emotive images of suffering firefighters, rather than concentrating on facts. He said speedway had managed to survive for decades at its former County Ground site in St Thomas, in a built-up residential area, with hardly any complaints, and pointed out that the new site would be more isolated.
He said there would only be weekly meetings, and sound tests using bikes showed they could not be heard at Harcombe House. The nearby A38 posed more of a noise pollution problem.
He claimed the charity also had a commercial interest in its site, because it rented out chalets to fire service beneficiaries.
Miss Boyce told the committee that its own independent tests showed there would be noise pollution.
She added that the priority was helping patients, which was why money was raised from renting out chalets.
And she said that if the plans were passed: “The charity would have no alternative but to seek premises elsewhere. It is a significant employer in the area.”
Concerns were also raised about the impact of noise upon wildlife. But councillors were told speedway would provide up to 30 people with casual work on race nights, including Chudleigh residents.
Cllr Doug Laing said: “I’m impressed by the fact that most tracks are in major conurbations and do not seem to be a problem.”
Mr Trump told the Echo later that he hoped the Teignbridge council would reach a decision by August so that the new track could be open by next April if the application was successful.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted with tonight’s decision.”
Fingers and everything crossed now.
:)Deep breaths now - not yet there - but looking very hopeful. Let's pray the next hurdle is cleared with the same result. ;D
;D 
