Mansell go-kart ambition blocked

Nigel Mansell will now consider whether to scale down his plans

Racing champion Nigel Mansell's plan to develop a go-kart racing track in east Devon has been turned down.

Former F1 world champion Mr Mansell wanted to spend £3m developing the track near the village of Dunkeswell, with a new restaurant and workshops.

But on Tuesday East Devon District Council unanimously rejected the plans. Protesters said it would be wrong for the area and create too much noise.

Mr Mansell is due to consider appealing or whether to develop revised plans.

He bought the 30-year-old circuit last year and hoped to expand it to include a 30,000 sq ft, two-floor complex of new pits, workshops and facilities for visitors and users.

But in July, more than 650 people from 26 surrounding villages protested outside the club after a march from Dunkeswell.

Protesters were concerned about noise from the track

A report to the district council's planning committee concluded some of the work would have an adverse impact on the Blackdown Hills area.

About 780 people have written objecting to the proposal.

But 150 letters of support have been sent to the council, as well as a petition of 275 signatures, saying the improvements would make the track an asset to the area.

Mr Mansell has said he was very sympathetic to residents, assuring them noise would be muffled by a metal fence, and noise limits would be monitored to ensure environment limits were observed.

Planners recommended the East Devon Development Control Committee refuse the proposal.

Mr Mansell was unavailable for comment, but a spokesman said he would now consider whether to lodge an appeal against the decision or to bring in smaller scale plans.