FEARS are growing among residents after developers submitted early plans for a motor sports and advanced driving academy on a disused airfield.

The application by Richard Coe, of Appleton Autodrome Limited, could pave the way for plans to bring the disused Appleton Airfield – more commonly known as Stretton Airfield – back into use.

The former Navy base has been empty since Shell pulled out of the site four years ago.

If full planning permission is granted, the site, off Arley Road, Appleton Thorn, could be opened seven days a week to the public.

Following the application’s registration earlier this month, Clr Dot Edwards, who represents the Thorn ward for Appleton Parish Council, delivered around 300 leaflets to villagers informing them of the plans.

She said people were unaware of the detailed application, which runs to more than 500 pages.

Clr Edwards says residents are very concerned and some have already sent letters of objection to Warrington Borough Council .

The 40-acre site falls within the boundaries of both WBC and Macclesfield Borough Council.

Chris Thompson, of Friends of Whitley Reed, questioned why the applicant states there would be no competition racing at the site when a large clock or lap counter would be positioned at the observation terrace.

The group rejects claims that efforts have been made to minimise the noise caused by vehicles at the location.

He said: “They have done this at the eastern end but two thirds of the race track is left untouched on an elevated open site so that noise will carry for miles, especially to the north west at Appleton Thorn and south.”

Training vehicles could be using the site up until 11pm, but the area would be closed to the public from 6pm.

Mr Thompson added: “There will be considerable intrusive and prolonged noise. Their noise survey avoids giving figures for maximum noise, only hourly averages, and for only one third of the course.

“If we get normal vehicles on it, we don’t mind. Especially if it’s just an ambulance going up and down.”

Meanwhile, Dr Michael Madden, of Barleycastle Lane, raised concern over the impact the application would have on global warming.

He said: "I have just planted more than 2,000 sapling trees on our 14 acre smallholding as our contribution to combating global warming.

“The motor sports proposal would be likely to do the opposite and it would surely be preferable to plant 10,000 trees on the site and possibly develop a nature reserve.”