Delay for the Circuit of Wales
Wildlife trust challenges the circuit's planning permission
THE £280 million project to build a racing circuit for all motor racing championships - except Formula One - in south Wales has been delayed due to a challenge from a wildlife trust.
The Gwent Wildlife Trust has said the circuit will damage habitats, however the outline planning permission for the race track was granted by Blaenau Gwent council in early July.
However, Michael Carrick, Chief Executive of Heads of the Valleys Development Company said that he is very confident with the outline planning application that they have submitted and he added: “The Welsh government has asked for more time to look at the project and we're happy to continue engaging with them and all stakeholders to ensure we address, as much as possible, the specific concerns they have.”
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) spokesman, Graham Hilier said: “We will continue working with the developer and local authority to get the best possible outcome for both the environment, community and the economy.”
It was also confirmed by Prof Garel Rhys, chairman of the Welsh Automotive Forum, that the circuit is mainly aimted at top class motorcycle racing, although it could be used for cars too.
The financial backers are hoping that construction can start by the end of 2013 with the estimated completion date between 2015 and 2016.
