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Posted on the Peterborough City Council Planning Application Portal this morning, an objection by the BSPL and SCB. The following has appeared on Peterborough City Council planning portal: F.A.O: James Lloyd Dear Sir, REF No: 23/00412/OUT and No: 23/00400/OUT This response should be read in conjunction with our comments of September 2023, all of which remain on the record. Following the additional reports submitted on April 19 on behalf of AEPG regarding planned redevelopment of the East of England Showground site, resulting in the permanent loss of speedway, British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd (BSP) and the Speedway Control Bureau (SCB) wish to reaffirm our total opposition to the scheme. Additionally, we wish to make the following comments on the Leisure and Community Impact Assessment Report, as prepared by Collison & Associates Ltd. We refer specifically to Section 2 – Assessment of the Viability of Speedway. We have no comment to make on the nature of the lease arrangement for Peterborough Speedway to operate at the East of England Showground; however, it is clear that a sport which ran continuously at the venue from 1970 until its closure (with the exception of one season due to Covid) meant that it was fully established and accepted in the city, and well supported. In addition to Peterborough Panthers meetings, the venue staged numerous national and international events, bringing the world’s top riders to the area. Consequently, it is even more disappointing that when alternative plans for the site were being formulated, no thought appears to have been given to the possibility of re-locating the Panthers, which we submit contravenes National Planning Policy Framework, which specifically protects sport and recreation facilities where there is a continuing need. Attention is drawn to the final paragraph of page 11 which states “Anecdotal evidence from British Speedway” which we would respectfully suggest should ring an immediate alarm bell. There is no evidence whatsoever, either on our own website or elsewhere, to suggest that the vast majority of a speedway crowd is not made up of supporters of the home team. There is an attempt to suggest that because a rally in November 2022 attracted around 350 supporters, this was reflective of the Peterborough fan-base, which is a ludicrous position to take. Rather than quote ‘anecdotal evidence’ we would ask why the authors of this report have not communicated with ourselves to establish the true position. The authors have provided no evidence to back up their claims as to the average attendance at the East of England Arena, which has in fact been substantially higher than 1,000 in recent seasons, and the reference to declining attendance in autumn is also a work of fiction, given that meetings which are staged in autumn tend to be important play-off fixtures, hence in autumn 2021 when Peterborough clinched the league title, attendances were in fact at their highest level in years. Page 12 also quotes “national evidence shows speedway is a declining sport” and goes on to make reference to a Guardian item published in 2019. Many of the arguments which follow have already been disproven in the recent public inquiry into the closure of Brandon Stadium, Coventry, which also quoted the same document, and we urge careful studying of the Coventry case. In particular, the section concerning TV figures is an inaccurate and disingenuous reflection of the position, and also takes no note of the current very successful arrangement with Eurosport/discovery+ as well as live streaming with the sport recording significantly increased viewing figures over recent years. Material in this section has been largely copied and pasted from other planning reports, which have been disproven elsewhere and accepted as inaccurate by their author. Page 12 also includes a bizarre and frankly irrelevant section relating to meetings being affected by the weather. It is also inaccurate, given that the NDL Final in 2023 was not between Mildenhall and Leicester – it was between Oxford and Leicester. Speedway, like any sport and particularly motorsport, can of course be affected by the weather, but the argument of “forcing paying attendees home without witnessing any matches” ignores the point that attendees would be allowed into the re-staging free of charge (or paying a proportionate admission should a meeting be abandoned during the event). The statement “This risk exists as conditions are only fully known once riders attempt riding the track, with the NDL final being called off after a leading rider suffered an accident” is completely false as the NDL final proceeded in satisfactory conditions, there was an accident in the 12th race out of 15 which was not related to the track being “slippery”, and then in the period whilst the rider was being attended to, heavy rain did move in and it was therefore not possible to continue. The result was then declared according to the provisions of the rulebook based on the races which had taken place. This section appears to have been included to ‘pad out’ the report, and to give the impression that the authors have some knowledge of the sport, because it has absolutely no relevance to the issue under discussion. The closures of Wolverhampton and Swindon are referred to, and these are also matters which we would take issue with. The argument of speedway shale reaching the greyhound track at Wolverhampton was only made some time after the closure notice had been given, in response to a public backlash. Speedway and greyhound racing do exist in the same stadium elsewhere in the country at venues such as Birmingham and Sheffield. Entain simply took a decision which was hugely unpopular locally in order to further boost their profits. Swindon Speedway was not in an unviable financial position, and we would be happy to discuss the very specific circumstances of that club and that venue should you wish to take the matter further. Across pages 13 and 14, Collison & Associates Ltd make reference to the argument that speedway at Peterborough is unnecessary due to the “alternative provision” available at King’s Lynn and Leicester. We say this is totally false. There is no evidence that the closure of one club results in supporters of that team transferring their allegiances elsewhere. It is the equivalent of Manchester United FC being closed down on the basis that supporters could instead visit Liverpool – or, on a lower level, Peterborough Utd being closed down with supporters instead told to go and support Leicester, Northampton or Cambridge. The argument is a total non-starter, and again has been proven to be factually incorrect in the Coventry case. Reference to Mildenhall Speedway is again irrelevant in this case as this was a club operating in the third tier, the development league, and whilst we do hope to welcome them back into the sport in future, their position should not be equated in any way with that of the loss of a Premiership club such as Peterborough. In conclusion, the narrative of this report (namely the assertion that speedway is a sport in terminal decline) is rather lazily copied and pasted from previous planning applications which have either not been determined (Arena-Essex) or have been accepted by an Inquiry Inspector to be untrue (Coventry). We would also like to take issue with recent media comments made by Mr Butterfield of AEPG which are intended to create the impression that speedway at the Showground was never viable, and that the objections to his plans are from a “small cohort” of people, remarkably describing them as “selfish.” He appears upset that the thousands of objections are delaying his bid to get spades into the ground and houses built. We would suggest that a sport which operated for 53 years (despite Mr Butterfield incredibly stating that “its home was never here”) was quite clearly viable for all concerned, and perhaps the only time when it did not become viable for the owners of the site was when they had removed all other events from the venue. Mr Butterfield should also be aware, as doubtless the members of the planning committee will be, that large sections of the report, and indeed his own statements, are irrelevant as viability is not a material consideration in the National Planning Policy Framework. NPPF instead puts the onus on the developer to prove that the displaced sport/land/activity is “surplus to requirements”, which is not the same as viability, and this exercise clearly has not been undertaken here. One way in which AEPG could ensure their scheme was compliant with National Planning Policy Framework would be to provide an alternative venue, in the Peterborough area, for the sport which they have evicted, or indeed to modify their own plans to support its retention at the Showground. However, as things stand, we believe there is no way this proposal should be accepted – or, realistically, even taken to planning committee – whilst the reports are so deficient and so full of falsehoods about our sport. Regards Nikki Jameison Neil Vatcher BSP OFFICE MANAGER SCB CO-ORDINATOR 2 M: 07868 466818 T: 01788 560648 E: nikki.jameison@britishspeedway.co.uk W: www.britishspeedway.co.uk British Speedway Promoters Ltd : ACU House : Wood Street : Rugby : CV21 2YX

Let's not forget we are very lucky to have speedway at Oxford and most weeks as well. When I think back to how the track was in the 80's and particularly the 90's - it was frankly diabolical. In most meetings you were lucky to get an overtake after heat 5! Since the re-opening and especially this year, we have had some fantastic racing throughout the meetings. The track prep has been spot-on. They seem to have more shale on the outside and rip it up to provide more than one racing line Also, I was never a fan of 2nd division speedway but at Oxford I am a convert. As to last night, I was in Cowley all afternoon and the rain forecast for 3pm did not happen. I have no idea if the track was watered but it was certainly dry and dusty at the start. The rain only started at 19.30 and was a very thick drizzle which seems to soak everything as much as torrential rain and it did not stop. I've no idea what it looked like on TV but In my opinion (being there) the track was dangerous at the end and the referee had no option but to cancel the meeting. Maybe wet-weather tyres would have helped! In addition, I was in the packed bar at the end and nobody there critisised what happened. So, onwards and up upwards and I look forward to the meeting next Wednesday

If every meeting was called off at the mere hint of rain then not much speedway would run at all in the UK. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn't. That's the nature of a weather dependent sport in a country with generally unsettled weather. Forecasts are frequently incorrect and often different forecasters offer completely contradictory forecasts. Oxford gave it a good go last night and if the rain had held off for just another 30 or 45 minutes then the meeting would likely have completed without issue. That's the way it goes. The better question might be how can bikes or tyres be adapted to better cope in wet/icy conditions?

I think Workington have a pretty good excuse. NONE of their riders are available - because they are all riding for Workington at Oxford.

The ones who are confused are the BSPL and Poole! Yes it appears that the name of Poole’s meeting is now being changed to make it sound like the Development Series and not the NLRC. But that’s not what they announced! How can the fans be expected to willingly attend a meeting and part their money when the authorities can’t even tell us conclusively what the meeting is for

As long as Ipswich are granted a facility then I wouldn't bother signing anyone right now. When the Polish season comes to a close, Big name riders always want to use British Speedway as a cash cow for a few weeks (Like Lambert) before the season finishes and that is when Ipswich should strike by signing a points scoring machine. Until then just book track specialists to guest at Foxhall and it'll be enough to finish top of the table because Sheffield are flaky on the road to a point where they're going to lose a few more meetings yet and Ipswich already have a 6 point lead over BV.

Link for tonight here: http://kergel.ucoz.lv/index/live_stream_2/0-12 Additionally: https://vk.com/wall-81427162_130130 https://vk.com/video-81427162_456239649 https://vk.com/wall-53550004_148201

BSN have clarified that subscribers get another meeting. Meetings only count towards the quota if they reach heat 10. Another feather in BSN's cap,

In terms of the meeting itself, as always it’s hard to call. Depends what version of each team turns up on the night. Danny King back, will be interesting to see if he’s fully back upto speed. Need solid showings from the rest of the team to make sure he’s not under too much pressure. Monarchs can be as unpredictable as the Bears but always a pleasure to watch Josh Pickering, one of the leagues great entertainers on a track he rides really well (although he’s not seen this seasons version of it!).

By contrast, the track didn't look soft at all. It was hard and slick which unfortunately meant that the steady rain caused issues. Sometimes the weather goes your way, sometimes it doesn't. Had the rain held off for another 30 to 45 minutes then the meeting would have been completed without issue. Oxford tried their best and credit to them for that. If every meeting was called off at the mere hint of rain then not much speedway would run at all in the UK - certainly not during the current period of extremely unsettled weather!

Well to be fair the information and evidence was in the public domain, the sensible choice was surely BSN. As for the new trend to call it off early based on forecasts, I applaud clubs for this, it surely saves a lot of time and expense all round.

I would support a ruling where teams can't say no, unless there is a very good reason. It's a Wednesday, Poole's normal race night, Scunny's team has at least 6 British Based riders, apart from MPT possibly racing in Denmark why couldn't they race?

But Poole should have priority right Oh dear how silly expecting another team to keep a allready planned fixture

It is crystal ciear: It is the NDLRC per Poole website (must be true?) The BSPL website says it is an NDL series round (in two separate places) - so doubly true. ... or maybe not? I don't know. ... ask me again on 27th June

I know it doesn't matter now, but watching on BSN in the first running of heat 6 when Charles Wright fell should Tungate have even been in the rerun as it looked like his bike was not under power at the time of the stoppage.

If I were involved I'd be proposing things to the BSPL/FIM whoever is in charge because I do think it's that serious. Some of the more inexperienced riders (and the Aussies of course) seem to get mentally switched off at the merest hint of a wet track these days. I'd be looking to ban the high revving short-stroke engines for one thing as they do seem to 'take off' alarmingly when more grip is encountered mid/exit of the turns (leg waving doesn't help either). I don't think, even thought it's title is speedway, that bikes need to go any faster and I know there are a lot of 'tuners' out there whose business depends on this search but I'm sorry, the fans should come first.

In the past they actually had some shale on the track most of the time and the bikes pre lay down were a lot easier to control.

What a ridiculous comment

If anything the election result will just put another dent in the fight to save the Panthers. Unfortunately Labour will be more interested in building blocks of flats to house third world criminals in. Will have to do a Workington by finding new land and starting from scratch.

Zmarzlik late August

One for the rulebook experts If you have a rider called up to ride in this meeting and also have a league match the same day are the team entitled to A guest, R/R or an NDL guest not riding in the Championship

Well done Redcar.A meeting ran efficiently with track grades and finishing just before 9pm. Enjoyable racing as always at Redcar.

Is Kelvin stroking one off? Wtf!?!

mum needs to smack his bum for that

BSN might not cover the restaging - they can only confirm that they'll cover another league meeting at Oxford.

Typical Poole fan thinking Workington are not playing ball by cancelling their trip to Oxford and riding at Poole instead. Naughty Workington!

Yes, parking is £3.00 per match for both Aces and Colts. There are also parking season tickets available.

Don't think he was a Sunderland specialist either. In 1964, he scored five points from four rides. As far as I can see, that is the only time he rode there...

Well he beat both Mulford and Trigger last week guesting in the NL match. But I would hope that the Bears reserves out score the opposition reserves tonight.

late August 2034 more likely......

You like me have seen Foord at Arlington and Kent since he was tiny, has always over riden from day one and at times didn't end well, looks like that's just the way he rides I suppose.

Unfortunately just proves what they really think of the NL now , just an annoyance they have to pay lip service to.

You could be right. I'm trying to be positive though . Im thinking Klindt 10(5), Lawson 9(5), NKI 6, Basso 6, Kvech 6?, Paddy 9(5), Rowe 3(3). Hoping we can nick the aggregate point with 49-41

Who is missing ??

That was me, I said that

Currently raining in Middlesbrough but forecast to stop in next half hour or so and forecast for the rest of the day (currently) isn’t too bad. I’m not that close to the track so not sure how much rain it’s taken over the last few days but facebook page was just updated and no mention of the meeting being in doubt atm.

I must have seen him in action at some time, as I rarely missed a meeting at West Ham between 1965 and 1971. I also went to Glasgow in 1967, but sadly can’t remember anything about him. Jim McMillan comes to mind but not Bill.

Long said speedway needs full wets in the tyres selection box. Trouble is no one has even tried this solution. In such conditions skilled riders will win out over the throttle jockeys. And stop calling the result after ten heats. Makes me wild.

Jason Garrity?

Most of us have seen much worse conditions in the past but with modern machinery it seems more difficult.

You left the heat times out

Thanks bigdave, I'll take a look

Number 16 on the start list for the SGP 4 at Malilla is a girl, but they wrote her name wrong. The correct name is Stepanka Nyklova, and she come from Liberec in the Czech Republic.

beaten out of the gate and not a lot of passing.

It's very confusing, they have announced they're holding the Riders Championship, but the description sounds more like a development series meeting?

Plymouth will sign him and try and get a guest for the rest of the season when he is unavailable, just like Covati and Kennet

I've heard they've already signed Bradley Wilson-Dean for next season.

I guess that based on previous history Oxford will probably wait until much later in the day before taking such a decision. Sometimes they get away with it but often they just annoy their fans by making very late call offs. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Heresy, burn him burn him

Not sure why you would speak about football humour. To be fair I’m wise enough to realise after how he spoke on the interview and that last post that it is banter. I’m saying some of his decisions are random, like wheelie mid race. He probably did just joke around. I felt last night was more banter from him and light hearted than when he actually spoke on the microphone and said “f!ck off”. Sport is what it is, I’ve had my say, people will disagree and have their say. If you aren’t allowed to have an opinion then it’s pointless having a forum. I spoke from my probably passionate frustration last night. Today I woke up and couldn’t really care less.