Birdwatchers and Motocross fans team up to fight Matchams development

Posted by Ray | 3 March 2009 | Comment

I know its the most unlikely team up ever but wildlife groups and motocross fans are to fight the development of Matchams Park becoming a up market housing estate.

PLANS to demolish Matchams Stadium to make way for housing have provoked strong reactions from motocross fans. Outline planning permission is being sought to raze the 50-year-old stadium at Matchams Park off Hurn Road, and build 40 homes, including four apartment blocks.

Most of the site – some 38 acres – would be turned into a conserva-tion area and just under 20 acres would become an informal recreation ground.

The scheme, which comes before East Dorset District Council planners tomorrow, would put an end to motocross, banger racing and karting at Matchams, which was also the location of the ill-fated Lapland Christmas attraction.

It has already provoked a strong reaction from neighbours, environmental groups and motorcross fans, bringing in 40 letters from the public.

Chris Mitchell of Twynham Road, Bournemouth, was among the objectors. He called Matchams a “superb venue for motorsport”, adding it would be “a massive loss”

Peter Lomh from Wantage said it was a “great facility” attended by thousands each year.

Dominic Bates Fifield from Gurney called the track “historic” and said: “Please don’t deprive the motocross community of this unique facility.”

The plans have also brought objections from wildlife groups including the Dorset Wildlife Trust, which raised fears about the impact on protected heathland.

But the housing plans were backed by a number of nearby residents.

The current use of the site has brought in a number of noise complaints in the past, and led to a noise abatement notice being served.

This is the third application for development of the site by owner Eaglebeam Ltd. The first, in 2004, was for a mixed use scheme comprising 51 homes, business, hotel and restaurant uses.

In 2007 an application for 40 dwellings was submitted but later withdrawn to allow revisions after comments from Natural England.