LOCAL residents who opposed a planning application for a permanent Motocross track on land adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Bow have expressed their delight that the application has been withdrawn.

Earlier this week a Mid Devon District Council planning officer wrote to all those who objected or commented about the planning application to inform them that the application for the Permanent siting of a Motorcross track on land at NGR 272450 101209 (East Langford), Station Road, Bow, had been withdrawn.

The application saw opponents turn out in their droves before a meeting of Bow Parish Council on Wednesday, June 9.

The gathering took place outdoors to enable it to remain Covid-compliant.

They attended to make their views known about the proposal for the Motocross track (application 21/00883/MFUL).

Bow Parish Councillors and Mid Devon District Councillor Alex White were able to advise those present how they should make their views known about the planning application.

84 PEOPLE

A vote was taken and 84 people said that they were against the plan.

Two people, the applicants, Anna Pazdan and Krzysztof Tchorek, were the only people present who said they supported the plan.

The plan was for a permanent Tchorek MX track at the site which is currently in use on an occasional basis only (no more than 14 days a year).

The application was for use every day: Summer: 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm, Saturday and 10.30am to 4pm Sundays and Bank Holidays. Winter: 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday; Saturday, 9am to 4pm and 10.30am to 4pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

The application said that the site was formerly a brown-field site and supporting documents say that the venue would not be open every day.

It stated: “It is the intention of the applicants to use the site for the promotion and development of young and enthusiastic motocross bike riders to enable them to excel in the sport and pursue their enthusiasms at a competition level locally, nationally, and internationally. The motocross track and associated clubs or affiliations would be open to all interested persons of any age”.

The applicants acknowledged that the track can become dusty and cause some dust clouds and the application said there would be continuing of wetting down the track.

Electric bikes were considered for the future but are only petrol-driven at the moment.

An ecology investigation was undertaken as part of the plan which said that there would be no detrimental effects to wildlife or the environment if the plan had been approved.

REMEMBRANCE

During the public debate in June there was condemnation for a motocross event which was very noisy during the two minute silence in Remembrance of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Speaking to those gathered, Anna said that the 14 days had not been exceeded, adding that some of the days the track had recently been used were training days.

Local resident, Jackie McCorkindale said that she objected to the plan because of noise, environmental pollution and because of Government targets of reducing emissions.

She said local residents use the local roads to walk and walk their pets and said the plan would generate dangerous levels of extra traffic.

She added that the roads were not suitable for extra traffic with trailers, caravans, etc adding that the junction is dangerous.

She said no account had been taken of the school nearby, the swimming pool or the care home residents nearby.

In addition she said there were a lot of elderly and disabled residents living nearby.

She said she had fears of more camping taking place at the site.

STONE CROSS

She also feared the removal of an historic stone cross to allow access for larger vehicles.

Another local resident said he was working at home a lot more due to the pandemic and said he did not like the “angry-ness” of the noise.

“It is an adrenaline sport which brings adrenaline out in me.”

Other local residents spoke about the “harsh noise” with no silencers on the motorbikes travelling across the whole village.

Anna told the “Courier” in June: “Tchorek MX is a small field where organising racing is physically impossible.

“The track is designed for young children to learn motocross and not only, some of them are only five years old.

“We have children visiting us who suffer with learning disabilities, anxiety, lack of confidence, ADHD and autism, many of them have been also bullied at school.

“Myself and other parents believe that motocross helps their kids to believe they matter even though they are different in their own ways.

“We are running a youth club for children, not a race track. We would like to be able to open our club during the week, especially after school and during the weekends.

“As an example Wednesdays and Saturdays for the fuel bikes, Sundays and other days for electric and push bikes which make no noise whatsoever.

“We would like to create a play area where children and parents can spend time together, learn new skills, have their birthday parties.

“We want to create a place for children to take them away from getting into trouble.

“I believe the local community is not aware of what we are trying to create, and I am hoping once they know it’s all done in a good cause they will support us too.”

RESULT WE ALL WANTED

Speaking this week, Jackie McCorkindale told the “Courier”: “The village came together and achieved the result we all wanted.

“We’re all relieved and hope they accept the strength of feeling in the village and don’t consider reapplying.”

Local residents have vowed to remain vigilant in the event that the applicants re-apply with a similar or changed application.

Planning authorities such as Mid Devon District Council often find that similar or changed applications are often submitted at a future date.

Some local residents have said that they support the application explaining that it is a suitable pastime for young people.

The applicants will still have the option to operate at the site for 14 days-a-year without planning permission, as they have been doing.

• Do you have a view about the now withdrawn plan for a motocross track at Bow?

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Write a letter to: The Editorial Manager, Crediton Courier, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.

Please include your name and address and a day-time telephone number. Please state if you do not want your name and address included.

Alternatively, email your letter, also with your contact details and name and address to: [email protected] .