myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

Bruntingthorpe aerodrome and proving ground has won its appeal against the issue of a Noise Abatement Notice by Harborough District Council. The judge has quashed the Abatement Notice, and the facility will find out whether it will be successful in recouping any of the substantial costs it has incurred fighting the case by the end of this week.

The facility had been under the pressure of virtual closure for over a year, after the council responded to complaints from a small number of local residents. Bruntingthorpe already operates a noise policy (98dB static/ 87.5dB drive-by) that rules out race cars unless they run heavy silencing, but the council issued the notice according to Bruntingthorpe on the basis that “if people can hear it, it’s too noisy”.

Bruntingthorpe responded by highlighting the permission given by the planning authority in 1973 as a venue for vehicle testing. The judge agreed, stating that anyone moving to an area near a facility such as Bruntingthorpe must expect to hear the noise of vehicle testing. Those complaining had moved to the area with full access to information on what the facility undertakes.

“We’re absolutely delighted”, said Bruntingthorpe owner Dave Walton, “and we’ll now be concentrating on building up a trackday and events diary for the year ahead. We’ll be sticking to our agreed noise limits of course, and in fact we’re investing heavily in noise monitoring equipment for the site. This last 12 months has been hell, and I now know the anguish that Elvington, Castle Combe and others have faced. Let’s hope that this decision sets a precedent for future appeals, as it clearly indicates that people should be aware of what to expect when moving next to already established facilities

TelBoy

Let's have two Vulcans at the same time now, that should blow the measuring equipment to smithereens