A Motocross centre has been proposed for a disused Rutland quarry.

Alex Bartels of Ware, Hertfordshire, has applied to Rutland County Council to redevelop a 2.1ha site 2.23km south of the Stretton interchange on the A1 and 0.74km north east of Greetham Valley Golf Club Clubhouse.

He seeks to import inert waste to help build a 700m motocross track with associated banking, berms and jumps.

If approved, there would also be a 99m2 administration office and visitor welfare facilities, 34 car parking spaces, bike servicing area, new landscaping, access and water attenuation basins/ditches.

The application said: "Motocross is a fast growing sport within the UK, however the provision of tracks is very limited in the area of the site. The closest tracks are Moto 101 some 26km away, Washbrook Track 50km away and Little Bowden Motocross Track at 31km away.

"The proposed A1 Motocross Track will cater for five categories of rider; from kids on an 85cc 2-stroke up to advanced riders on 125cc bikes and will aim to host events and

competitions as well as provide spectators with a fun day out.

"This sort of outdoor sporting attraction would typically appeal to younger people, thrill seekers, families, locals and tourists of all ages and skill levels.

"Transforming the disused quarry site in to the A1 Motocross Track will result in an area of land that can now be used and enjoyed by many. A purpose-built, off-road track can allow people to learn, improve their skills, be coached, participate in competitions, achieve professional status or just spectate and enjoy the crowd and atmosphere."

Explaining the proposed location, the application said: "With access directly off the A1, the site will be easily accessible to customers from a wide area.

"The disused quarry currently has no current agricultural use, no public access (other than trespassing for joy riding, fly tipping and use as a toilet by lay-by users) as well as very limited ecological value and no visual or landscape interest."

Recommending approval, the application also highlighted how the scheme would meet a range of council planning policies to help ensure its approval.

The "A1 Motocross Track", it continued, "will ensure that the land at the disused quarry is returned to an attractive landscape that is capable of

sustaining life, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to the countryside aesthetic.

"The proposal will provide a well designed and constructed outdoor track that will encourage participation in sport and recreation with the associated benefits to health, wellbeing and skills and career development.

"Affordable access to the track will be provided and people of all ages and abilities will be welcome to participate so that the new outdoor sport and recreation facility can contribute to sport diversity."

It continued: "The vitality of the village of Stretton and the environmental quality the countryside will be enhanced by this proposal.

"This proposal will aim to train riders to their full potential and nurture young talent so that they may then become professional or champion riders. Not only will this inspire others but it will contribute to a greater range of employment opportunities in the high skilled, leisure and tourism industries."

"This proposal will contribute to rural diversification but not at the expense of the countryside as the scale and type reflects its surrounding.

"The proposed motocross track will provide visitors with a new rural attraction that is appropriate in scale, use and character to Rutland's countryside."

The application added how it demonstrated "the proposed A1 Motocross Track is compatible" with council planning policies and "there should be no reasons for the application to be refused on policy grounds."