Caravan park would mean end for grass racing track

Farmer George Barker has said he will stop autograss racing on his land at Kiplin, near Scorton, North Yorkshire, if he is allowed to turn one of his fields into a 50-space caravan park.

Members of the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Club have said they feel let down by Mr Barker and have vowed to find a new site.

The track was only given permanent planning permission in March last year, following strong objections from people living nearby.

Villagers claimed dust and noise from the track ruined their summer weekends.

In August, Mr Barker was refused permission for a 40-caravan site on a field 300m from the track. Members of Hambleton District Council said it would be too noisy for holidaymakers during race weekends.

Mr Barker has now submitted plans for a larger site, accompanied by a section 106 agreement.

It agrees to stop autograss racing on the land before it is occupied by any caravans and pledges not to recommence racing at anytime after caravans are on the site.

Don Hilton, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Club, said members would have to start looking for a new track if permission was granted.

"We had heard rumours that there was probably going to be something like this in the pipeline, but we haven't spoken to George about it," he said.

"It is a shame because we put some hard work into the application to make the track permanent.

"At the end of the day, it is his land and he can do what he wants with it. Farmers have to do what they can to make money these days."

Planning officers have recommended that the application should be approved, despite numerous objections from villagers and parish councillors who said permission should not be granted on the basis of the autograss racing being stopped.

Fifteen letters of support have also be sent to the council, claiming the caravan park would boost the local economy.

Mr Barker said he did not want to comment ahead of the planning meeting on Thursday at the Civic Centre, Northallerton.