Plans to reopen motocross track include electric bikes focus

If approved, the plans could see Rhyd Blawd Farm, in Disserth, near Builth Wells, reopened as a sporting venue, with a focus on electric bikes, having previously hosted motocross races in Powys for more than 20 years.

However, there is local opposition to the proposed development by owners Nightfly Ltd, who had planning permission originally refused last year.

Proposals submitted to Powys County Council (PCC) on February 15 intend to once again use the site for motocross activities, including the use of the existing scramble track, but in a more controlled and regulated way than in previous years.

Plans also include building a motocross experience centre and parking area, constructing seven log cabins for holiday use, as well as improvements to existing roadways and highway entrances.

In a planning statement submitted on behalf of applicant Phil Wilding, Newtown-based Hughes Architects said the track already benefits from a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD), which was granted in March 1999 – but that previous activities at the farm were organised without regulation and that new proposals seek to allow the venue to be run in a “professional and organised way”.

“The issue of the CLEUD confirms the site has been used as a motorbike scramble track for over 30 years,” said the statement.

“Historically, the typical type of vehicle permitted to use the track was either a petrol bike or quad which would be in use on the site until sunset (10.30pm in the summer months).

“In addition to this the site enjoys permitted development rights so that events can be, and

have been, held on the wider site throughout the year, again without any regulation.

“Prior to the acquisition of the site by the applicant its use was unregulated and disorganised.

“The intention behind this application is to bring forward a comprehensive suite of improvements to the site commensurate with the core principles of the applicant so that it is run in a more professional and organised way while also preparing for the future use of the site by electric bikes in lieu of petrol bikes.

“The application also brings forward considerable community benefits in terms of the control of existing operations on site. These are specifically precise hours of operation (taking the use of the site outside the key noise sensitive hours) and control measures in the form of a noise management plan.”

An artist's impression on what the holiday cabins on site could look like

If refused, the statement said that the applicant could simply continue to operate the track according to the original CLEUD – meaning it would be unrestricted in terms of operating times, number of events held per year and types of vehicle that could use the track.

“This application deliberately brings forward control measures and the local planning authority is invited to fully consider the considerable community, economic and environmental benefits it provides,” added the planning statement.

“Namely, a restriction on times of use of the motocross track, restrictions on vehicles using the track and restrictions controlling the duration of events that can be held on the site per year.”

Original plans submitted in April 2019 were refused planning permission last February. As part of resubmitted plans, the applicant is proposing to make improvements by having a full-time manager on site to ensure the facility is maintained and controlled.

In terms of environmental sustainability, the majority of the building will be manufactured via off-site construction methods and delivered to site more or less complete. New proposals will also reduce the number of crossing points through the Dulas Brook and use bridges instead of existing fords in order to prevent damage and disturbance to the brook and nearby River Wye, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and site of special scientific interest (SSSI), and the species they support.

“On balance the proposal is the best outcome for the site, which has considerable existing usage as an unregulated scramble track,” the application continued.

“The submitted proposal will actually reduce impact upon the designated site and restored ancient woodland. The proposed habitat protection, enhancement, off-site woodland creation and a long-term management plan will ultimately ensure proposals will have a significant positive impact on biodiversity at site and local levels.”

The application faces opposition locally, however, with Disserth and Trecoed county councillor Gwilym Williams explaining that his constituents harbour concerns. “I would wish to call this into the planning committee as this, I believe, is the second application for a similar application and was called in before because of local concerns, which are still the same today,” he said.

Senior planning officer Catherine James said of the development: “It is considered that the principle of the proposed development may be acceptable and would be supported subject to all material planning considerations as outlined.

“It is likely however, that the proposed extension to the operating hours of the existing motorcycle track would not be supported as it would be considered contrary to policy, unless sufficient evidence is submitted to demonstrate there will be no adverse impact on residential and local amenity.”