ATV riders are celebrating after plans for a new track based in Ellesmere Port have been given the go-ahead.
The planning committee for Chester Council and Cheshire West gave their unanimous support to turn the five hectares of land near Shellway Road into a training arena and practice tracks, including one especially designed for junior all-terrain vehicle riders.
The tracks, the plans of which were put forward by BASE Moto Parks, also include jumps between 4 and 25 metres in long, and at least a metre in height.
The company was set up by Andrew Paul and Graham Lee, both of whom live in Ellesmere Port, as a way of providing a safe and controlled environment for riders of all ages to practice the sport and to discourage nuisance riders from riding about the town.
The land, which is owned by the council, was restored as part of a recent development by high street store Marks & Spencer, and the permission to build the track on it was granted providing that measures are taken to minimise the amount of noise pollution. Mr Paul and Mr Lee, who between them have more than 40 years’ experience in riding and maintaining quad bikes, said that these measures had been incorporated into their plans.
Up to now, the only other similar venue for quad bikes is in Preston, Lancashire. Cllr Lynn Riley welcomed the redevelopment, and stated that the track will be a huge asset for Ellesmere Port’s community, and had great potential to bring in many visitors. She commented:
“This demonstrates what can be achieved when communities are involved in resolving local issues.”