Robertio Posted January 13, 2003 Posted January 13, 2003 I seem to remember there being at least one person on this board who deals with planning permission, so: (a chance to prove yourself ) Say a small car club was thinking about trying to sort out a race track, after buying the land what process would they have to go through? We know this wont be cheap or easy, but some sort of idea as to what would be involved would be good. Is there differing criteria depending on width / length, if it is hired out to other clubs, etc? Quote
Bananaman Posted January 13, 2003 Posted January 13, 2003 I'm not a planner but i work with one who deals with mainly housing. As a starting point go to the Local Autority Planning office & have a look at their UDP (Unitry Development Plan) this shows what areas have been designated for different uses. i.e. Housing, Industrial, Leisure, etc........ I would imagine setting up a race cuicuit would be very difficult as it would have to be a long way-a-way from any residential areas, due to the noise. This creates a problem as most land in the UK not close to built up areas is Green Belt & therfore VERY difficult to gain planning permission. Sorry to sound so negative but I would imagine setting up a race cuicuit would also be VERy expensive. Old Airfields would seem like the obvious venue if you were to go down this route. Best of luck. Andy Quote
westy Posted January 13, 2003 Posted January 13, 2003 A few of us have been pondering the possability of buying some land or at least renting it. The biggest challenge is A- finding it and B- being allowed to use it Quote
Nick M Posted January 14, 2003 Posted January 14, 2003 IMHO B would be *much* harder than A. Tree hugging moaning minnies have effectively binned all but a few of the old airfields for track days because of noise so a new venue is bound to come under close scrutiny. Quote
Mark Stanton Posted January 14, 2003 Posted January 14, 2003 To obtain planning permission for a new race track It would be easier to start a search for the Holy Grail The green vegetarian tree huggers are a major pain in the IMHO. What's also happening is that a lot of circuits are having new residential developments or barn conversions built close by then the sad git tenants start to complain about noise . After they've purchased their property knowing there's a circuit close by If I have upset any saddo green tree hugging vegetarians who don't like cars - then tough I make no apologies Quote
Westfields Rock On Posted January 14, 2003 Posted January 14, 2003 f***** hippies! shoot the gits Quote
Paul Hurdsfield - Joint Manchester AO Posted January 14, 2003 Posted January 14, 2003 Lets all chop down another rain forest its more work for me coz I'm a joiner and i need wood Quote
Mark Stanton Posted January 14, 2003 Posted January 14, 2003 Anyway to obtain planning permission, if there was a chance - you would have to submit a track layout and size to a suitable scale on your intended site. Initially before any land purchase its always best to approach the Local Authority Planning Officer - he'll be the one with a beard, sandals, tweed jacket and Farah trousers - make him feel impotent. The site plan details would also need to indicate any new or existing of the following : adjacent buildings residential or otherwise, public right of ways, bridle-paths if in existence, services e.g Telecom, electric, water. Fencing. and possibly noise limits, times of intended use, general safety. Private or commercial use If in the likelihood PP was granted - I'd be there with me boots blacked . A specification of all works would be needed, noting sub-base, toppings etc blah blah - it all gets boring and technical My invoice is in the post Quote
Robertio Posted January 14, 2003 Author Posted January 14, 2003 Cheers, have passed that on Being based in Scotland means we have hopefully some chance to sorting something out (ideally somewhere between Glasgow and Edinburgh). The airfield option has been looked into, but it appears they are all still being used for something. It looks like a disused mine / quarry is probably our best hope, but laying a track on that is not going to be easy (although having it tunnel through a mine would definitely make it stand out ). The idea is for a sprint track (unsurprisingly) so we'd I guess only be looking for a track length of 1/2 mile and 14 feet wide. Who knows if it took off we could always make it into the new home for the British GP, shouldn't affect overtaking ) Any further ideas / advice appreciated Quote
Mark Stanton Posted January 14, 2003 Posted January 14, 2003 Dis-used quarry could be a better option - it would minimise sound problems Tarmac laying specifications etc is easy peasy stuff If you were looking to use as a licensed sprint venue then there would be some important saftey criteria to adhere to in order to obtain a licence - this could well prove easier to begin with a new circuit rather than update an older venue You would need a strong case to present to the Local Authority in order to show it as a benefit to the community - Keep your options open - one way is to sell it is as a cycling venue, many circuits are used for this dual purpose - in doing so grants and sport aid benefits are easier to come by Just drop me a PM if you have any specific Q's Quote
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