Go away go-karts, say objectors

Broadsands' plan not popular

Plans for a go-kart track at a disused car park near one of Torbay’s most tranquil beaches have been met with fierce opposition.

Darren Sunderland has submitted plans to change a former car park at Broadsands into a go-kart track that would run throughout the summer months.

But it has been met with a flood of objections, with 172 of the 176 comments on the planning application being against the scheme.

Mr Sunderland, who has managed several go-kart tracks in the past, in his letter with the application submitted to Torbay Council, said: “I would be using 10 to 12 petrol commercial carts, which are manufactured for the leisure industry. The track is constructed with tyres, reinforced and bonded together. Ideally, we would like to run the track from east to September, seven days a week, 10am to 8pm.

"The site is surrounded by trees, which is ideal, as it acts like a sound barrier, so any noise would be kept to the minimum. I feel Torbay needs a go-kart track for holiday makers and locals to enjoy on the broad sand site is the perfect location, and I am sure with my hard work and determination, we can turn into a fantastic facility.”

But the scheme has not been popular with locals. One said: “I feel I have to object to this proposal primarily on the basis of the noise pollution that the petrol engine karts will generate within the natural amphitheatre of the valley.

“There are already two disused go-kart tracks in the local area (Churston & Goodrington) so if there is the appetite for this kind of development, surely, re-opening one of these sites is a better option?”

Another said: “Broadsands is a beautiful untouched beach with the occasional sound of the steam train passing above. The incessant noise of go-karts would ruin the place. Please leave it, unspoiled.”

A third said: “The noise and pollution that this would cause would disturb local residents, along with the effect it will have on local wildlife in the area. I support local businesses and it is nice to see after Covid that companies still want to invest, but this is the wrong site and location for this development and as such should not be allowed to go ahead.”

Torbay Council planners will decide on the application at a later date.