A PLANNING application for a permanent Motocross track on land adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Bow saw opponents turn out in their droves on Wednesday, June 9.

The local residents attended the initial part of a Bow Parish Council meeting, which was held outdoors to enable it to remain Covid-compliant.

They attended to make their views known about the proposal for the Motocross track (application 21/00883/MFUL) which would be located on land adjacent to Langford Plant Hire at East Langford, Bow.

Bow Parish Councillors and Mid Devon District Councillor Alex White were able to advise those present how they should make their views known about the planning application.

A vote was taken and 84 people said that they were against the plan.

Two people, the applicants, Anna Pazdan and Krzysztof Tchorek, were the only people present who said they supported the plan.

The plan is for a permanent Tchorek MX track at the site which is currently in use on an occasional basis only (no more than 14 days a year).

The application is for use every day: Summer: 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm, Saturday and 10.30am to 4pm Sundays and Bank Holidays. Winter: 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday; Saturday, 9am to 4pm and 10.30am to 4pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

The application says the site was formerly a brown-field site and supporting documents say that the venue would not be open every day.

It adds: “It is the intention of the applicants to use the site for the promotion and development of young and enthusiastic motocross bike riders to enable them to excel in the sport and pursue their enthusiasms at a competition level locally, nationally, and internationally. The motocross track and associated clubs or affiliations would be open to all interested persons of any age.

The applicants acknowledge that the track can become dusty and cause some dust clouds and the application says there would be continuing of wetting down the track.

Electric bikes are considered for the future but are only petrol-driven at the moment.

An ecology investigation has been undertaken as part of the plan but says there would be no detrimental to wildlife or the environment.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

During the public meeting part of the council meeting there was condemnation for a motocross event which was very noisy during the two minute silence on Remembrance Sunday.

Speaking to those gathered, Anna said that the 14 days had not been exceeded, adding that some of the days the track had recently been used were training days.

She added that there was no event on Remembrance Sunday.

Local resident, Jackie McCorkindale said that she objected to the plan because of noise, environmental pollution and because of Government targets of reducing emissions.

She said local residents use the local roads to walk and walk their pets and said the plan would generate dangerous levels of extra traffic.

She added that the roads were not suitable for extra traffic with trailers, caravans, etc adding that the junction is dangerous.

She said no account had been taken of the school nearby, the swimming pool or the care home residents nearby.

In addition she said there were a lot of elderly and disabled residents living nearby.

She said she had fears of more camping taking place at the site.

STONE CROSS

She also feared the removal of an historic stone cross to allow access for larger vehicles.

Another local resident said he was working at home a lot more due to the pandemic and said he did not like the “angry-ness” of the noise.

“It is an adrenaline sport which brings adrenaline out in me.”

Other local residents spoke about the “harsh noise” with no silencers on the motorbikes travelling across the whole village.

Anna told the “Courier”: “Tchorek MX is a small field where organising racing is physically impossible.

“The track is designed for young children to learn motocross and not only, some of them are only five years old.

“We have children visiting us who suffer with learning disabilities, anxiety, lack of confidence, ADHD and autism, many of them have been also bullied at school.

“Myself and other parents believe that motocross helps their kids to believe they matter even though they are different in their own ways.

“We are running a youth club for children, not a race track. We would like to be able to open our club during the week, especially after school and during the weekends.

“As an example Wednesdays and Saturdays for the fuel bikes, Sundays and other days for electric and push bikes which make no noise whatsoever.

“We would like to create a play area where children and parents can spend time together, learn new skills, have their birthday parties.

“We want to create a place for children to take them away from getting into trouble.

“I believe the local community is not aware of what we are trying to create, and I am hoping once they know it’s all done in a good cause they will support us too.”

• Do you have a view about the plan for a motocross track at Bow?

Why not share your views with fellow “Courier” readers?

Write a letter to: The Editorial Manager, Crediton Courier, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.

Please include your name and address and a day-time telephone number. Please state if you do not want your name and address included.

Alternatively, email your letter, also with your contact details and name and address to: [email protected] .