Tarleton motocross track ordered to close
A motocross track in Lancashire has been ordered to close by planning inspectors.
The Leisure Lakes track in Tarleton attracted 33 complaints from people living nearby over a four-year period, mainly about the noise.
West Lancashire Council took action against the unauthorised use of the land and the disturbances to residents.
At a public inquiry, planning inspector John Braithwaite said the noise was "irritating and impossible to ignore".
He ruled the track was an inappropriate use of land in the Green Belt and had a "serious adverse impact" on neighbouring properties.
The council had initially refused planning permission for the track, but the operator appealed.
Enforcement action was begun by the council in October 2008 but quashed in June 2009.
However, the council was able to successfully challenge this in the High Court and a judge ruled the original planning application should be re-determined.
Leisure Lakes has until 4 June to cease operations at the site, and two months to remove the track and fencing.
The company was also given nine months to restore the land to its condition prior to use as a racetrack.