Exclusive:Bike park plan at Hooton Lodge rejected again – despite 7,000+ supportive signatures

A bike park which has been hailed by users as a “safe, well-managed environment where riders of all ages and abilities can develop their skills and enjoy the sport” has had its retrospective planning application refused a second time by Rotherham Council.

Hooton Lodge Farm's latest application for retrospective permission for the motorbike trials track was submitted - along with a petition of more than 7,000 signatures in favour and letters of support from concerned parents and community members – after the first was rejected in December.

The application for the motor trials bike training facility and associated parking is retrospective, meaning it aims to formalise planning consent for an existing development on Green Belt at the farm site on Kilnhurst Road.

The existing development was dubbed by members of the community “more than just a bike park—it’s a place that brings people together” and “an important part of our family life” in letters submitted to RMBC.

As reported in the Advertiser previously, Rotherham Council rejected the first application on the grounds of harm to the Green Belt, with no ‘very special circumstances’ to overturn that consideration, damage to ancient woodland and loss of irreplaceable habitat.

Letters to farm owners Charlie and Charlotte Schofield in support of the recent application included from grateful parents who shared: “Hooton Lodge Trails Bike Park has had such a positive impact on my 15-year-old son’s life and the lives of so many of his friends.

“In a world where so many young people end up hanging around the streets with little to do, places like this give them something positive to focus on.”

Another parent wrote in support to say: “My son is 12 years old and competes regularly in trials events.

“The amount of practice he has been able to do at Hooton Lodge has played a huge part in his development, and he is now preparing to compete in the British Championships,” adding: “The park isn't just important for young riders either.

“My father, who is 72, still enjoys practising there, which shows just how inclusive and welcoming the venue is.”

A third person also insisted on “stressing two important points.”

“Firstly the people making the effort to transport their bikes to Hooton Lodge Trials Park do so because they are responsible individuals who want to ride in a safe, legal area away from the general public,” they wrote in support.

“Secondly the sport of Motorcycle Trials is (unlike other motorsports) not a high speed racing event - it is about control and balance of a motorcycle at very low speed around obstacles.

“The Trials Motorcycle is relatively underpowered and very quiet.”

Commenting on RMBC's latest decision, co-owner Charlotte Schofield said: “We have now submitted a new planning application and are asking our followers, visitors and members of the wider community to support us by commenting on the RMBC planning portal.

“The Trials Bike Park provides a safe, legal and properly managed place for people to ride, helping to reduce illegal and potentially dangerous riding on roads, public paths and private land.

“It offers something for people of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to experienced riders - the park is regularly used by both men and women, with visitors ranging from five to 80 years old.

“One of the park’s most important contributions is the positive effect it has on people’s mental health and wellbeing. It brings people together through a shared interest, helping to combat loneliness and social isolation while giving people a sense of purpose, routine and belonging.

“We work closely with mental health groups, particularly Andy’s Man Club, and recognise how important informal, welcoming spaces can be for people who may be struggling.

“Outdoor activity, social connection and peer support can make a meaningful difference, particularly for those who may feel uncomfortable seeking help in more formal settings.”

As reported by the Advertiser, the bike park application is one of three issues the farm is currently dealing with RMBC over.

Andrew Bramidge, executive director for regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: “We have received a new planning application relating to the trials bike facility at Hooton Lodge Farm.

“As the application is currently under consideration, it would not be appropriate to comment on the merits of the proposal in detail at this stage.

“The site has been the subject of previous retrospective planning applications which were refused for several reasons. The first application was refused due to concerns regarding the potential impact on ancient woodland and because insufficient information had been provided to assess noise impacts arising from the development.

“A subsequent retrospective application was refused due to concerns about the impact of elements of the development on the Green Belt, including motorbike jumps, obstacles and the associated parking area, as well as concerns relating to noise impact.

“The council will assess the newly submitted application against national and local planning policies, taking into account all relevant material planning considerations and any representations received during the consultation period, before a decision is made.”

To comment to object, support or make a general observation on the latest application visit the RMBC planning portal at https://tinyurl.com/RMBCPlanAppHLF.