Planning permission was granted by Dover District Council at Planning Committee in January for improvements at Lydden Hill Race Circuit, which will support significant new job creation and tourism within Dover District.
The proposals include the demolition of existing Circuit Offices and erection of a replacement building comprising a VIP Centre and additional use of the circuit for non-race activities with construction of a new access road from Geddinge Lane.
The addition of year-round use for non-motor racing activities will enable better use of the facility. The existing 52 race days are to continue under stricter noise controls, monitored by the Council and additional non-race uses can operate year-round with 49 days as silent days with no public address system or motor vehicle use to provide respite to local residents.
New uses will be strictly controlled by category of use and associated noise limits and can include demonstrations and corporate events, driver experience days, vehicle festivals and shows, bicycle training and racing, charity events, learner driver training, use for filming activities and as a training venue for the emergency services.
The proposals will fully support the Council’s Tourism Growth Strategy ‘Destination White Cliffs Country’ and its aims to stimulate market growth and new investment in the District's visitor economy through the generation of good jobs and a greater earning power for people living in the District with tourism, hospitality and service at its heart.
Images from top: visualisation of the new VIP Centre; Jane Scott, planning consultant to the Circuit on planning matters since 2009.