A Perthshire motorcycle track which attracts riders from as far afield as Yorkshire and Shetland has had a renewal application rejected due to noise complaints.
Councillor Willie Wilson, convener of the development control committee, said members had to walk a ”tightrope” between recreational use and the noise problem for residents of the area.
He described the unanimous decision concerning the track at Mains of Arthurstone Farm, near Meigle, as a ”constructive refusal” as it left the way open for the applicants to appeal, or reapply with the backup of a noise impact assessment. They can also use it 28 days a year without consent.
The track, which lies midway between Coupar Angus and Meigle, has been used since 2006 by recreational users and Strathmore Motocross Club wanted an extension.
Since September 2010 it has operated on a sporadic basis without the benefit of any formal planning consent.
The scheme had the backing of the Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU), which encourages formal tracks as a means of reducing anti-social riding of motorcycles on open ground.
It commended the organisers of the track as ”leading the way” in terms of its safety remit, general operations and compliance with noise regulations.
Among those speaking against the application was Councillor Dennis Melloy. He lives about a mile and a half from the track from where he could hear a ”faint noise”.
He said that over the years he had received a number of calls from people who lived nearer the site.
”The prevailing wind is the problem. The noise they are subjected to is a constant barrage and really concerns them,” said Mr Melloy, adding that there was also an issue with dust.
He said noise readings taken at nearby Cronan Farm revealed unacceptable levels. This was borne out by council staff who said decibel levels had been recorded which fell into the category where action could be pursued.
Lindsay Patterson, owner of the track, said that while there were 62 homes within one mile of the site only eight complaints of noise had been made over the last six years.
He said the track was well-run with proper facilities, marshalling, insurance and was run purely for the recreational enjoyment.
A report which went before the committee from Nick Brian, development quality manager, said there were ”significant concerns regarding the potential for noise nuisance to occur, and the limitations which are reasonably available to adequately mitigate the noise without excessive bunding”.
But Coupar Angus resident Jo Kettles said: ”It is an absolute tragedy that this should be taken away from the young folk. It gave them something to do with their time and kept them from using their bikes at less suitable places.
”It was all safety approved by the regulatory bodies and it’s terrible that it should be removed. I’m sure this can be taken further and it shouldn’t end with the council.”