Plans to extend the time speedway motorcycle racing can be held at a stadium have been withdrawn.

Cearnsport Ltd submitted a planning application to Swale council earlier this month asking for permission to allow racing on five bank holidays at Central Park Stadium, Church Road, Murston.

Speedway is a motorcycle sport involving groups of riders competing on a lap circuit.

It also wanted the go-ahead to allow the sport to take place between 10.30am and 1.30pm on holidays which fall on a Friday.

Under the plans, racers would have been able to warm up from 10am.

At the moment, racing can take place once a week between 5pm and 8.30pm on weekdays with warming up allowed from 4.30pm.

If a race day falls on a bank holiday Monday, racing can take place between 3pm and 6pm. Bikes can begin to warm up from 2.30pm.

But the plans have been pulled because the application would not be heard before Good Friday.

'I object to extended hours or days that contribute to the noise pollution' - neighbour, Daniel Rossiter

In a letter to Cearnsport Ltd, Mr Freeman said: “In line with your instructions, we have withdrawn your application and will take no further action.”

There had been a mixed reaction from people living nearby, who commented on the council’s planning portal. Some said they heard minimal noise.

But Daniel Rossiter of nearby Hugh Price Close, Murston, said: “I object to extended hours or days that contribute to the noise pollution my wife and I have to put up with throughout the months of March to October.

“I don’t like interfering in other peoples’ passions and interests but when that passion or interest has a direct impact in the lives of others I think organisers need to pay attention.”

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne