Official Stamp of Approval for Wheeldon Farm
By TMX Archives on 17th Apr 08
One of the UK's top Off Road Training businesses now has a very bright future after securing full planning permission for their off-road motorcycle holidays and training schools.
With the original 3 year ‘probationary period' planning permission coming to an end, business co-owner Andrew Savery applied to South Hams District Council for permission to carry out their motorcycling activities for a further 5 years.
However, the District Council Officials took some time to consider the ‘track record' of the business over the previous 3 year probationary period and threw out Savery's application for an extension!
Instead, in recognition of the economic benefits that the business has brought to the local area over the past three years, along with the almost total absence of any complaints over that period, the District Council voted in favour of issuing the business with full planning permission.
Obviously delighted with the outcome Savery said, "South Hams District Council must be congratulated for their vision and forward thinking in this matter. It has been a long and at times difficult road, but well worth the effort.
"The input and support of the ACU, as National Governing Body, has clearly been one of the key issues considered by the Council,” he continued.
"It was clear that our strong relationship with the ACU and the extent to which the ACU have assisted with the training of our coaches and officials, and given us clear environmental guidance to follow, was an important contributory factor in reaching this decision.”
"The District Council have seen us work successfully within the agreed limits set previously by the planners, and also recognised the significant impact that Wheeldon Farm has played in resolving the illegitimate motorcycle use in the South Hams area. We are stunned and delighted with the outcome and looking forward immensely to working with one of the few Council's that have realised that provision is so much better than control.”
The ACU's Business Development Manager Dave Luscombe is delighted with the outcome of the planning application,
"This is an unexpected but extremely welcome decision by the District Council. For many years now the ACU, through its Local Authority Support Unit, have encouraged local authorities to recognise and embrace provision as a key to addressing the issues of illegal motorcycling. South Hams District Council will now stand like a beacon to other authorities, demonstrating what can be achieved through giving riders somewhere to ride legally.” Luscombe explained.
"The ACU fully support Andrew and his team at Wheeldon and the excellent work they have done with their business. Their new relationship with Suzuki bodes well for the future and their new status as an ACU Registered Training Provider recognises the high standard of training available at Wheeldon,” Luscombe continued.
Wheeldon Farm are now in the final stages of becoming an ACU Recognised Promoter and are looking forward to running some exciting events under the ACU banner from the Spring of 2008.
For more information on Wheeldon Farm go to http://www.wheeldontwo.co.uk/.