CONSERVATIONISTS have failed in a bid to overturn planning permission for an extension of motor racing activities on an Oxfordshire airfield.
Vision Motorsport Ltd wanted to build a new performance car circuit and increase capacity on the existing rally course at its site at Tracey Farm, Great Tew, near Chipping Norton.
And they got their way when, in September last year, West Oxfordshire District Council granted retrospective planning permission.
Disgruntled conservationists say it will cause an unacceptable increase in noise pollution in a rural setting.
Yesterday, Enstone Uplands and District Conservation Trust took its case to the Court of Appeal in London.
Reuben Taylor, representing the Trust, argued the council’s planning committee had not fully understood the information before making its decision.
A site visit did not give a true indication of likely noise levels, he said.
“The evidence before the members showed that planning permission granted would allow an increase...to a level about twice as loud as that heard by the members.”
After upholding the council’s decision, the judges ordered the Trust to pay the council’s £13,000 legal costs.
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