A MOTOR racing circuit could find itself embroiled in a fresh controversy next week.

Last year, Richmondshire District Council had to pay the management at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, a substantial settlement after dropping a noise abatement notice on the advice of its legal team.

Since the deal was struck, bitter rows over both the settlement amount and secrecy have split council meetings.

However, on Tuesday, councillors will have to decide if they will give the circuit's rally school permission to continue using a water splash, built without the benefit of planning consent.

The track management has said it felt the half-metre-deep pool of water was not significant enough to warrant formal proceedings.

However, Dalton-on-Tees Parish Council, the Autodrome Action Group, the British Horse Society, and the Richmondshire Ramblers' Association are objecting.

The district council's officials are suggesting a compromise.

Talks have been held with the circuit management on limiting the impact the water splash has on a nearby footpath and the number of days on which it is used.

If agreement can be reached on both, Tuesday's planning committee will be asked to allow the facility to remain.