Motorbike row shatters Kinver rural tranquillity (From Stourbridge News)

Motorbike row shatters Kinver rural tranquillity

9:00am Wednesday 28th July 2010 in

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THE tranquillity of a rural retreat near Kinver is being shattered by a row over a new motorcycle park.

Protestors have been out in force, distributing around 2,500 leaflets in the village and surrounding tourist beauty spots to campaign against plans for an off-road bike track at Compton Worwood Farm, Beacon Lane.

South Staffordshire Council is considering an application for the track, which protestors fear would create noise and traffic congestion close to Kinver Edge and the Sheepwalks area.

Anti-track campaigner Chris Nott, from Harts Green Farm, Romsley, said: “It would cause great misery not only for walkers, cyclists, runners, horse riders and inhabitants, but also for those who sit in a quiet spot and simply appreciate the beauty and peace spread before them.”

The track would be the first of its type in the UK, operating electric off-road motorcycles which franchise company Quantya UK Ltd say are silent and avoid disturbance and environmental damage.

Campaigners argue country lanes leading to the site are too small to cope with increased traffic and access for larger vehicles and emergency services will also be a problem.

Their concerns are echoed in reports to planners by traffic officers from Worcestershire County Council and South Staffordshire Council, who both recommend refusal arguing the park would create congestion and have a major impact on surrounding areas.

Work on the site is under way, a dirt track and a small building are already complete.

Planning officers from South Staffordshire Council expect to make a delegated decision on the proposal, which is for use of the track for up to eight hours per day, four or five days-a-week, on Friday July 30 and highways impact will be a major consideration in determining the application.

The council has received around 50 letters of objection while Kinver Parish Council is also opposed to the development.