CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a motocross centre on the site where Blackburn's three times World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty used to ride have been withdrawn after public pressure.

The planning application to create junior and adult motocross tracks on land at Shaws Farm, Stocklough Lane, Feniscowles, were withdrawn after mass opposition from residents.

Peter Gombos made the application to develop his Champ North West business but was forced to withdraw the application when faced with the expense of a special environmental study.

Mr Gombos said: "We did not have any choice or option but to withdraw because the council demanded that a full environmental study be competed in three weeks which is impossible."

But the businessman is defiant that planning permission "does not really matter".

He said: "The site is regularly used now and has been for years, which means that we do not need special permission.

"We just wanted to make the council aware of our intentions to do some improvements."

Councillor for Livesey and Pleasington ward Derek Hardman, said: "When the applicant submitted his planning application the planning department asked the applicant for an environmental study to be submitted before the application could be looked at.

"On March 11, the application was withdrawn in order for the applicant and his agent to consider their future actions."

But nearby residents who staged a public meeting on March 5 to voice their opposition to the "troublesome and noisy" site are pleased the plans have been shelved for the time being.

One resident living in the nearby area, who asked not to be named, said: "It is right that the plans have been withdrawn but there are still concerns about the odd days that will be allowed."

Even without planning permission, Mr Gombos and local motocross clubs could legitimately use the site for 14 days a year.

More than 80 residents from Meadowhead, Tockholes and Pleasington supported petition action to stop the site progressing because of noise, dirt, safety and attracting troublesome youths to the area.

Steve Preston of Vale MXC Motocross said: "The nearest permanent site is in Preston and this track at Feniscowles has not been used for organised racing for four years.

"It would be great to have one in the area but no site has been found as yet."

Planning committee member Alan Cottam said: "I think that by making the occasional use public, the residents in the area will be more aware and likely to call upon the environmental health department if and when the noise becomes a problem."

Although plans have been put on hold for the "time being" Mr Gombos has asked town planners to look into the matter further.

Coun Hardman said: "No permission of any kind has been granted I am aware that the application could be resubmitted in the future and I will be monitoring the situation carefully."