Winchester councillors have unanimously refused to allow the permanent use of a site near Three Maids Hill for motocross.
At a special meeting held today (Thursday 23 July 2009) in Winchester Guildhall, Winchester City Council’s planning committee unanimously refused a planning permission to allow the permanent use of the site at Downs Farm near Three Maids Hill to the North of Winchester for motocross.
After councillors were addressed by supporters and objectors and by parish and city councillors and addressed by expert officers from the City Council, the committee all voted to refuse the application.
Steve Brine, prospective Conservative MP for Winchester, has consistently and actively opposed the use of the Three Maids Hill site for motocross.
In a statement after the decision, Steve said; “I am pleased the planning committee has made such a clear statement that this motocross track is in the wrong place. Motocross is an exciting and challenging pursuit with many devoted followers, but allowing a major track near to 3,000 homes will continue to cause too many problems. I really hope the community can now work together to find a suitable long-term use for the site.
"I am also aware however that the motorcross is someone’s business and it employs a small number of people so I hope going forward the industry can adapt and find a way to work in harmony with the communities it sits within.”