PROTESTORS fighting plans to continue grasstrack racing near their homes fear a "second Croft circuit" could be created.

Residents of Kiplin, near Scorton, urged Richmondshire District Council to reject proposals by the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Club, which has used land near the village since 1993.

The campaigners also want the council to seek an Article 4 Direction, which would remove permitted development rights and halt racing at the site.

Three councillors attended a site visit last week but others have vowed to go along on Sunday when a race meeting is held, to witness the noise and dust.

Planners recommended the club applied for full planning permission after its permitted temporary use of the land grew. A general development order has allowed up to 14 days' racing a year for the last 11 years.

Officers said regularising the planning situation would mean voluntary noise controls would be replaced by conditions enforced by the council. The application is for 13 days' racing on 12 weekends annually.

Residents are so angry at the council's stance they have submitted a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman. They also claim that approval of the plans would constitute a breach of the Human Rights Act.

More than 40 people have objected, as has Hambleton District Council, in whose district the objectors' homes lie. The application site is in Richmondshire.

Noise and dust from the site on race days are the main objections, along with poor visibility at the entrance and potential road hazards.

Objections have also been submitted by trustees of Kiplin Hall, a Grade I listed seventeenth century manor house open to the public, and Kiplin Parish Meeting.

Stephen Sampson, parish meeting chairman, told Richmondshire environment and planning committee on Tuesday: "If you proceed with this application you will create another Croft."

His fears were echoed by Coun Jane Parlour, ward member for Croft, who has backed residents' battles against motor racing noise and disturbance.

Resident Robert Bowles said approval of the plans would contravene human rights legislation, which "includes a right to the peaceful occupation of the home and raises issues concerning environmental pollution that affects a person's home."

The highways authority has objected because of access and parking arrangements.

The committee voted to defer a decision on the application.

An application to improve the vehicle entrance has been submitted to Hambleton council, in whose district the access lies. The deferral by the Richmondshire committee could mean the access application is determined first.

A spokesman for the autograss club said it did not wish to expand and would comply with conditions and controls agreed with the council.

He said the non-profit making organisation offered affordable family sport with racing kept on an organised track and not on roads and car parks.

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