A RURAL race track can stay despite objections from residents and fears over road safety, councillors decided.

Villagers claimed dust and noise from the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Club track, near Kiplin, ruined their summer weekends.

County highways chiefs said access to the site was dangerous, and planning officers from Hambleton District Council have called for the track to be closed.

But at a planning meeting this week, Richmondshire district councillors gave officers powers to grant conditional planning permission and make the temporary track a permanent venue.

The decision was taken after councillors were told that planning regulations meant racing could continue on the site, as it had for the past 11 years, even if planning permission was refused.

It was also made clear that if the council wanted to close the race track permanently, organisers could receive thousands of pounds in compensation.

Richmondshire council leader John Blackie acknowledged that the track had a significant impact on Kiplin residents.

But he said: "There is also a huge strength of feeling from people who enjoy autograss racing.

"I think there are benefits in bringing the operation under planning control."

Councillor Linda Curran agreed, saying: "We've got to make the best of a bad job.

"The conditions (under which the track operates) have got to be strong and as well-enforced as we can possibly make."

Since the site falls on the boundaries of both Hambleton and Richmondshire districts, Hambleton District Council was asked for its views on the application.

In a letter to colleagues at Richmondshire, Hambleton planning officer Tom Bereton urged the council to reject the application and close the site.

Residents speaking at the meeting rejected claims that they have rarely complained about the track in the past.

Robin Atkinson, chairman of Kiplin parish meeting, said: "Richmondshire District Council can rest assured that we will complain vociferously in the future to each and every race meeting and stretch enforcement resources to their limits.

After the meeting, the racetrack's chairman, Don Hilton, said: "We're quite happy to work with the council and residents to address their concerns.

"We've agreed not to race on consecutive weekends and the start and finish times for races have been moved to make it a shorter day.

"Next year we will also plant trees to shield the site."