By Hayley Robinson

Speedway racing could come to Sittingbourne’s Central Park stadium.

Stadium boss Roger Cearns launched an appeal after Swale council refused permission last year to extend the period it runs the motorbike racing events from one year to seven.

While he did not get the seven years he wanted, a government planning inspector granted permission for a four-year trial after a three day hearing at Woodcombe Sports and Social Club in Murston.

Conditions, which were offered by Mr Cearns and agreed in the original planning application back in 2008 when permission for one year was granted, include the use of the site for speedway ceasing within four years of the date of the first race taking place, acoustic fencing being constructed in full beforehand, and that speedway motorcycle racing can only take place once a week between Mondays and Fridays inclusive between March 1 and October 31 plus four Bank Holiday Monday afternoon meetings.

Dates and times of races would be publicised in advance.

More than 200 letters of objection were sent in over the original application after the Speedway Action Group urged people to complain. The main concerns were over noise and traffic.

Mr Cearns said: "As my family has been involved with Speedway racing since 1927 when my grandfather built the very first track, I’m delighted that we have now received an extension to the time of the speedway planning permission granted in November 2008.

"The directors and shareholders of the company are considering whether four years is viable and hopefully a decision will be made by August in which case 26 speedway meetings will be held in 2011, commencing the end of March.

"Local residents may rest assured that every effort will be made by the management to ensure they do not suffer any inconvenience."