Dover District Council’s Planning Committee last night (30 January 2020) resolved to grant planning permission for a £5.5m development of a new pavilion building and an increase in non-race events at the Lydden Hill Race Circuit. The plans also include a new, improved access road on Geddinge Lane.
The circuit has existing permission for motor vehicle race events on 52 days of the year and this will not change. The plans will, however, improve the sustainability of the venue by allowing a greater range of other, non-race events and activities.
Having listened carefully to the views of the local community, the planning permission will include around 30 conditions, several of which are aimed at providing more stringent noise monitoring than previous permissions. This includes wide-ranging changes to the Noise Management Plan, specified noise limits, and a more robust noise monitoring system.
The Noise Management Plan will be reviewed by a Consultative Committee with representatives of the Circuit, Dover District Council, and the local community every six months for the first two years, and annually thereafter.
A total of 49 ‘silent days’, including 10 weekends, also form part of the planning conditions. At these times, no motor vehicles may use the circuit.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “Lydden Hill Race Circuit has a rich heritage as one of the district’s most popular sporting venues with over 50,000 visitors annually.
“This has been a carefully considered decision which balances the concerns of the local community, and the economic benefits that Lydden brings in terms of employment and visitors to the district.”
Posted on 31 January 2020