Guest 1109- Registered: 10 Nov 2013
- Posts: 7
If it were to become non-viable and had to close it would, as a brown-field site, make a fantastic building development. I doubt that the locals would be too keen on that. Perhaps someone has had that idea already? Several airfields have either gone this way or are under threat of such a scheme.
ZZR1100
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
The circuit has my full support and I will do whatever I can to help keep it open. I used to go there in the 60s and help in the pits. A friend of my father's had a Mini he raced there.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Perhaps, as I am on the Planning Committee, I shouldn't make any further comments other than those I made at the beginning of the thread.
Roger
Guest 1109- Registered: 10 Nov 2013
- Posts: 7
We have been very critical of the reaction of local residents to the events held at Lydden Circuit and in most cases I believe that their arguments should be ignored for the reasons stated previously. They do however, have a very good point when it comes to 'Drifting' and specifically Drifting Track days, where the local hoons bring their BMW's to the circuit and do their best to destroy their rear valances and bumper mouldings with the remains of their rear tyres. Drifting is a fairly recent development in this country.
Drifting championships involve the use of 2 cars at a time. Skill is assessed by judging the driver's ability to negotiate each bend at an extreme angle by balancing the throttle position with reverse steering lock, creating a lot of over-steer and wheel-spin. This in turn generates a lot of smoke and I am sure that any of us would be unhappy if one of our neighbours started burning tyres next to our houses. The fumes must be very toxic and the smell is very unpleasant. The degree of the problem does of course depend upon the number of cars running at any time and the direction of the wind. It's a bit like Strictly Come Dancing for petrol heads.
For Drifting competitions the problem is minimal to non-existent, but track days are another matter entirely. There are a great many cars running for most of the day and their throttles are wide open for much of the time. Add to this the tyre smoke and I would agree that the track operators are being less than considerate.
All they need to do is restrict the number of cars running at any time. It is simply a question of being sensible about things and I suspect that it is the Drifting Track Day events that have made the circuit less acceptable in the eyes of those who live nearby. Unfortunately there is a tendency within human nature to exaggerate and lump everything together without looking at all aspects of the subject in question. With sensible self-regulation, even a drifting event should not cause reasonable people living next to what they knew to be a racetrack when they moved in, to have justifiable grounds for complaint.
ZZR1100
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Only another week to get supporting comments into the Council on this application. At the time of writing there are 62 public comments, roughly three-quarters of which are in support. Let's try and get 100 supporting comments.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Just had a letter from the circuit owner's agents thanking me for my support and pointing out that the council are considering this at their planning meeting on June 5th. And another reminder that the deadline for comments is this weekend.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Anyone wanting to get away from the TV/Wife/Kids on June 5th is welcome to join me at the council chamber for the planning meeting on this issue. Final reminder- it's this weekend or never to get your letters of support into the council. Online is best:
See post 20 for link.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Glad to say that common sense prevailed and the Planning Committee voted 6-4 in favour of allowing the application. Thanks particularly to Roger Walkden whose spirited defence of the circuit's owners plans probably swayed the vote.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Well done Woger sometimes hard working councillors can make a difference.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Thank You Peter, you too Howard.
I too was very pleased it was passed. I don't think I need to add anything other than to say that Lydden Race Circit is an asset we must not lose.
Roger
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
No Roger, Thank YOU. You have done the district a great service because I believe you swayed the Chair in the right direction and rightly confronted Cllrs Cronk and Gardner over their slurs against the circuit's owners. I believe their remarks were uncalled for and there was evidence that they had not read their briefing pack or had chosen to ignore its contents. I was also particularly annoyed by (overheard) remarks from the anti brigade about brown envelopes. Sorry but this is democracy in action. Like it or lump it.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I agree their comments were out of order and unnecessary. I also thought the comment about Thanet DC and their vote on (not allowing) night flights and subsequently Manston closing, we must be careful what we wish for, were spot-on. But if their minds are made up before hand, nothing (not much anyway) will change it.
Roger
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
looks like common sense has prevield again.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Yes Roger. Fortunately Fred said openly at the outset that he was still in two minds and you managed to get him to agree with you.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Thank you Peter.
Maybe David will think I am a little less inept (won't hold my breath though).
Roger
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,657
Roger, you are definitely not inept and I wish you were my councillor.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Thank You Jan - you're very kind.
Roger
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
For the record, Roger, I also agreed fully with you over Mr McDonald (?) who wanted to build a staff residence and a couple of tree houses. I'm sure that will go to appeal and he will win. Not sure about the wind turbine at Eastry, I think I would have abstained on that one!
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I think that some members are becoming more passionate about planning guidelines, than they are about real people and their lives and livelihoods.
I appreciate we can't give applicants carte blanche, but sometimes there are exceptional circumstances that call for brave decisions and ones not wrapped-up in those guidelines - otherwise what's the point of a committee ?
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Fully agree Roger, guidelines are just that and are meant as a help rather than something carved in stone.