Residents say new car tracks at Bicester Motion will result in 'deafening' noise

Bicester Heritage has been developing a 444-acre masterplan for the creation of the ‘UK’s first automotive resort’ called Bicester Motion.

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Plans have now been submitted to Cherwell District Council to build an ‘experience quarter’ which would be at the heart of the site.

It would feature e-karting and 4x4 tracks as well as new driver training and tracks on the former RAF airfield where visitors can learn new skills behind the wheel.

Concept image of Bicester Motion's Experience Quarter

But residents who live close to the grounds, say the project will mean more cars on the site and therefore more noise.

Tim Mulligan, from Stratton Audley, who lives near the site, says the sound of vehicles will be 'deafening'.

He said: “I believe that there would be multiple corners on the track near us and we may therefore be subject to additional noise as cars accelerate away from them.

“I imagine it will be deafening when multiple cars navigate four corners on the east, west and full circuit at the same time in the north-east area of the site. This is absolutely unacceptable to us.”

Jay Boydon, from Caversfield, said: “It's already unbearably loud when they have their visitor days and vintage cars are racing around a small circuit. Heaven knows what it will be like with a full circuit racing for hours every day.”

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Bicester Motion wants to reuse the existing perimeter track of the airfield to provide a 3.1km circuit that can operate a 1.3km and a 1.5km loop.

It would also have a 600m mini loop and low friction training surface area.

Proposed track plan submitted as part of Bicester Motion's planning application. Pic: Edgars

The proposed tracks are motorsport-inspired, but are not designed to cater for multi-car racing events and are designed to drive training, time-trials and testing as well as demonstration and experience activities.

Demonstration areas are also proposed as well as 4x4 tracks in the former Stratton Audley Quarry area of the site and e-karting.

There are also concerns about the impact the proposals would have on the environment, with CPRE Oxfordshire objecting because of the reduction in ‘pristine’ habitat that the airfield provides.

Bicester Motion said in a statement: “Our beautiful location will offer the chance to experience a variety of activities which embrace the breadth of international automotive and aviation culture and technology, past, present and future.

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“We recognise that there have been some concerns from local residents regarding potential impact from noise and traffic and we have worked closely with Cherwell District Council Environmental Health Officers and Oxfordshire County Council Officers to ensure that residential amenity is protected.

Bicester Heritage

“We believe that The Experience Quarter will not only help secure a sustainable future for our historic site, but it will promote significant economic growth for the region. In addition, it will create new skilled employment and activities which will enhance the community.”

To view the application on the Cherwell planning portal, search reference 21/01224/OUT.

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