THEYDON BOIS: Golf site is a race track (From This Is Local London)

THEYDON BOIS: Golf site is a race track

10:00am Thursday 14th August 2008 in Where I Live

The landscape which has sparked fears that a motocross track is being built shows clear signs of a marked track

HERE is the photograph which proves that a motorbike racing track has been created in a picturesque village.

People in Theydon Bois fear this motocross circuit on the controversial Blunts Farm golf course development site will spell the end for their tranquil lives.

Neighbours have seen motorbikes on the course over the past two weeks and the issue was raised at the last Theydon Bois Parish Council meeting. Councillors immediately contacted the district council for clarification over the use of the land, and are awaiting a response.

Parish councillor Mike Emmett, a member of the Theydon Bois Action Group, said: “This is a huge concern for local residents. We need an explanation and we’re trying to get that as soon as possible.

“We believe this shows the construction of a motocross course, and that’s a big concern because something like this would generate a lot of noise and disturbance that we simply don't want.”

It is thought the jumps, turns and undulations on the winding course were created by diggers in July.

Villagers assumed the machinery had been called in to remove soil which had been dumped there, which resulted in an enforcement notice being served.

Planning permission for a golf course at the site was granted to Blunts Farm Estates in April 2000, but it has still not been built.

George Dilloway, a spokesman for the developers, said he was not aware of any plans to build a motocross track at the site. He added he had not seen the recent work which had been carried out there, but it was likely to be linked with the development of the golf course.

Landowner Phil Newman was unavailable for comment.

A spokesman for Epping Forest District Council said: “We have approached the owner prior to the setting up of the track. The owner denied knowledge of it and said he would investigate as this is likely to be a trespass.

“Since then a track has been created. Further investigations are therefore taking place.

“Since it is unlikely that planning permission would be given for a change of the use of land for motorsports, it’s likely that the council will take enforcement action to secure the cessation of the use and secondly the removal of the works and formation of track, unless the owner achieves this without the need for the council to take action.”