Post by Nevs on Aug 23, 2007 18:10:37 GMT
Exeter Speedway Press Statement Wednesday 22nd August 2007
Exeter Speedway owner Allen Trump has today confirmed that there will be no speedway at Exeter Racecourse, Haldon in 2008. Despite spending over £20,000 of his own money on the planning application so far the Falcons boss has been unable to meet the strict environmental requirements placed on the club in time to obtain the necessary planning permission that would have enabled them to run in April next year.
After the original planning application was submitted in May last year it soon became clear that the major obstacle would be environmental issues. The proposed site for the speedway track is in the proximity of Haldon Forest SSSI and took in 2 acres of lowland heath land. The subsequent Ecological Survey required by Teignbridge DC identified the existence of two protected bird species on the perimeter of the racecourse and numerous reptiles in the heath land, all of which are protected by law.
Part of the track and grandstand would have been built on the heath land and it subsequently become clear that there would be serious problems in building on this type of land. These were:
1. The requirement of a Management Plan to replace the 2 acres taken by the Falcons with provision and management by the racecourse of 5 acres. The annual management cost of this would fall on Exeter Speedway.
2. The removal of all reptiles from the 2 acres, which proved more difficult and costly than originally envisaged and even now has not resulted in a noticeable reduction in the reptiles, all of who would have to be removed before the end of September.
It was clear therefore that the track would have to be repositioned to avoid all heath land and after discussions with the racecourse owners, the Jockey Club, and with their considerable help an alternative site that did not require heath land approval was located within the racecourse. However Teignbridge Council still require a fresh planning application and whilst much of the original application is still relevant there are new time consuming aspects that must be dealt with and incorporated.
Trump said today: “ I am particularly disappointed with the current state of affairs, having spent the last eighteen months working on this project. However I believe the new site offers the opportunity to overcome the ecological problems and enable the Exeter Falcons to be ready for the 2009 season. I know that there are many fans that share my disappointment and it is difficult to understand how 2 acres of heath land and a few birds can threaten a pastime enjoyed by thousands, the balance seems all wrong. Nevertheless we continue to fight on and in the end Exeter Speedway will be resurrected.”
John.
(Told ya I wouldn't let you down Schumi.)
Exeter Speedway owner Allen Trump has today confirmed that there will be no speedway at Exeter Racecourse, Haldon in 2008. Despite spending over £20,000 of his own money on the planning application so far the Falcons boss has been unable to meet the strict environmental requirements placed on the club in time to obtain the necessary planning permission that would have enabled them to run in April next year.
After the original planning application was submitted in May last year it soon became clear that the major obstacle would be environmental issues. The proposed site for the speedway track is in the proximity of Haldon Forest SSSI and took in 2 acres of lowland heath land. The subsequent Ecological Survey required by Teignbridge DC identified the existence of two protected bird species on the perimeter of the racecourse and numerous reptiles in the heath land, all of which are protected by law.
Part of the track and grandstand would have been built on the heath land and it subsequently become clear that there would be serious problems in building on this type of land. These were:
1. The requirement of a Management Plan to replace the 2 acres taken by the Falcons with provision and management by the racecourse of 5 acres. The annual management cost of this would fall on Exeter Speedway.
2. The removal of all reptiles from the 2 acres, which proved more difficult and costly than originally envisaged and even now has not resulted in a noticeable reduction in the reptiles, all of who would have to be removed before the end of September.
It was clear therefore that the track would have to be repositioned to avoid all heath land and after discussions with the racecourse owners, the Jockey Club, and with their considerable help an alternative site that did not require heath land approval was located within the racecourse. However Teignbridge Council still require a fresh planning application and whilst much of the original application is still relevant there are new time consuming aspects that must be dealt with and incorporated.
Trump said today: “ I am particularly disappointed with the current state of affairs, having spent the last eighteen months working on this project. However I believe the new site offers the opportunity to overcome the ecological problems and enable the Exeter Falcons to be ready for the 2009 season. I know that there are many fans that share my disappointment and it is difficult to understand how 2 acres of heath land and a few birds can threaten a pastime enjoyed by thousands, the balance seems all wrong. Nevertheless we continue to fight on and in the end Exeter Speedway will be resurrected.”
John.
(Told ya I wouldn't let you down Schumi.)
Bryn's a Dartford Warbler isn't he? ;D
