FRESH HOPE FOR PANTHERS

HOPES of a return for Peterborough Speedway remain alive after the local planning committee voted to refuse a development plan at the iconic Showground venue.

The Panthers’ 53-year-existence was put on hold when they were unable to compete this year as developers AEPG pursued plans for 1,500 houses on the site – well in excess of the 650 stipulated by the local plan.

Whilst one application for 850 houses was accepted, the second for a further 650 which would have seen the removal of the existing speedway site, was rejected by six votes to three.

The reason for the refusal was that the scheme was deemed to be in contravention of National Planning Policy framework, with the benefits of the development not compensating for the loss of the existing facility.

British Speedway would like to congratulate the Peterborough campaign team on their hard work and reaffirm our position that the sport should be returned to this historic and much-loved venue.