Council to consider karting order

Nigel Mansell took over the karting track three years ago

A Devon council is considering whether to pursue a noise abatement issue at a karting circuit owned by Nigel Mansell.

Environmental health officers at East Devon District Council challenged the Dunkeswell track over perceived noise problems and issued an abatement order.

But the former F1 world champion had the order quashed on Friday at Exeter Magistrates' Court.

The council said it was disappointed in the ruling and was currently considering its position.

'Reasonable' operation

The Dunkeswell karting circuit was taken over by former racing driver Nigel Mansell three years ago.

Karting has been allowed there since 1971, but the noise abatement order was issued after Mansell Raceway Limited expanded the operation.

However District Judge Paul Farmer ruled the kart circuit was being operated reasonably and in accordance with the planning permissions in place.

The council had said it is now consulting with legal advisers on the content of the judgement before deciding whether to keep going or let the matter drop.

Spokeswoman Councillor Jill Elson said: "We are only sorry that we have been unable to protect the community from what we consider to be higher than reasonable levels of noise".

The chairman of the karting club which uses the circuit said the judgement was the "best possible result for the club".

Paul Bromham told BBC News the club was aware some local people still had concerns.

"What we want to do now is to work with residents to address any noise issues," he said.