Camping site bid to be discussed

Plans to almost double the size of the camping area at a Shropshire race track are set to be decided today. Salop Motor Club is looking to extend its caravan and camping area at the scramble track at Hawkstone Park.

The club has been holding motocross meetings for more than 50 years and wants to increase the area from 4.7 hectares to eight hectares to cope with demand at large meets.

District councillors are being recommended to approve the application at a planning meeting today, despite objections.

The issue has caused controversy in the past because of traffic concerns and worries over noise, human waste, litter, burning and fireworks at the site.

However, temporary permission was granted nearly a year ago to allow the situation at the track to be re-assessed.

Thousands of racing fans turn out to larger events and Hawkstone throughout the year and the site has been dubbed the "home of British motocross".

Parish councillors support the application because they feel there has to be provision for camping. However, seven letters have been sent to North Shropshire District Council complaining about a host of issues.

Salop Motor Club holds only eight events a year at the track and the camp site is not considered to be a permanent one due to the limited number of days it is used.

A report to councillors recommends strict conditions be imposed to "limit the length of time the campers and caravanners are on site".