RESIDENTS of a quiet, rural area are celebrating after an attempt to open a motor sport circuit on their doorstep was thrown out by councillors.

An open countryside site west of the A68 near Satley has been used as an unofficial track for about two years, Durham County Council’s county planning committee heard today (Tuesday, October 6).

But councillors rejected a part-retrospective application which would have effectively licensed the activity, after hearing the noise and disruption was making life hell for nearby residents.

Alastair Crichton told the County Hall meeting the sport had caused misery and devastation and was a direct assault on the peace and tranquillity of the area.

He said: “I beg the committee in the name of truth and justice: allow us to continue to live in the way we have always lived.”

His plea won the support of Councillor Alan Shield and his colleague Bill Moir, who said the track was an incursion into a quiet area of County Durham. The site’s use for motorsport had not been agreed and may well not be lawful, Cllr Moir added.

Cllr Paul Taylor said while some decisions the committee faced were complex, in this case refusing planning permission would be quite simple; while Cllr John Clare pointed out the site was in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

A spokesman representing the applicant, Robert Maddison, said a motorsport track would bring significant benefits across County Durham and minimise anti-social behaviour linked to motorsport in residential areas.

He said the scheme offered the opportunity for young people to learn about road safety and develop new skills and the applicant had been in discussions with the council for more than a year and listened to the concerns of local residents.

The track would be run well and safely and there was a lack of this type of facility in County Durham, he added.

However, the committee quickly unanimously refused planning permission.

Afterwards, Mr Crichton said: “Truth and justice has been done.

“The residents of the local area can now enjoy the peace and quiet, as we have done for decades.”

The track would have been used one evening per week during the summer and at weekends.