Dordogne racetrack plans near finish line
BACK in late 2005 I wrote a short piece about plans to build a racetrack in the Dordogne, well it looks as though things are about to come to a head.
British ex-pat David Brooker-Carey has been working towards building a track, as well as motoring museum, in the grounds of his château Domain de Bagatelle, near the village of Saint-Crépin de Richemont.
But opponents of the plans, many of whom are Brits, say it will destroy the natural beauty of the area and just last week a few hundred people protested against the proposals in the town of Nontron.
The Times reports that David Brooker-Carey's plans are set to be placed in front of the Dordogne préfet early next month, when a decision will be made.
The racetrack 'will resemble nothing more sinister than a country road' David Brooker-Carey claims, although the full plans will see the building of 24 pit garages and 675 loudspeakers, and he says that it will bring much needed tourism to the area.
His opponents, who are updating supporters through the Court Circuit website, say the noise from car engines will ruin the peace of the area whilst much flora and fauna would be destroyed.
The map below shows the position of Saint-Crépin de Richemont, with the château of Domain de Bagatelle to the north and which lies in a heavily wooded area.
Update (6/6/08): Plans for Dordogne racetrack thrown out
It's just down the road from us. We are actually for it. Rumours are going round that if the Booker Carey's get permission, it might not happen anyway.
Posted by: Clare | 22/05/2008 at 09:28
Me again - we are actually just above the "Google" on the map.
Posted by: Clare | 22/05/2008 at 10:28
Hi Clare, that is close and it will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks, keep me in touch with events.
Craig
Posted by: Craig McGinty | 22/05/2008 at 10:38
Hi Craig,
The Booker-Carey's have lost. Look at the Court-Circuit site. The prefet's decision came through on Tuesday. Sorry for the delay, have been busy with other things and, as you know, spent yesterday celebrating various birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
Posted by: Clare | 06/06/2008 at 11:11