Karting plans set for green light

Plans to develop a karting circuit on land close to Bournemouth Airport are set to be given the go ahead by councillors at a meeting later this week.Matchams Karting, via agent Chapman Partnership, has submitted an application for the track on land at Chapel Gate, adjacent to Bournemouth Sports Club.Proposals include the kart circuit together with buildings for staff and customer facilities, landscaping and parking.New four-stroke engine karts would be purchased for use at the facility.The developer has said the project would “bring another popular activity” to the sports club area and represents, “a considerable investment into a region”. It would replace its existing facility off Hurn Road in Hampshire.The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee on 21 July 2016 with councillors recommended to grant planning consent.This is subject to conditions including operating hours of hours of 10am to 7pm Tuesday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday as well as a limit of no more than ten karts on track at any given time.A report from the planning officer said the proposed development would not “adversely affect the visual amenities of the area” and was “appropriate to its location”.