1,200-metre go-kart track planned for Cannock Chase

Proposals have been submitted for the track, as well as a hospitality and administration building, a garage, a shop and a block of toilets.

Developers behind the plans want to build the go-kart complex on land which sits north of Wyrley Common and south of the A5 Watling Street in Norton Canes.

The proposals, which have been submitted to Cannock Chase District Council show that access to the proposed site would be via Watling Street, with the track backing onto green space near Lime Lane.

A path around the go-kart track leading to the green space would also be built as part of the development.

The possible make up of the track suggests it will feature several bends with three long straights.

Parking would be located in the bottom right hand corner of the site, looking at it from a bird's eye view.

Cannock Chase used to have a go-kart track some 15 years ago based at Chasewater Country Park but this was forced to close after the construction of the M6 toll.

Councillor John Preece, who represents the Norton Canes ward, explained there had been talk about replacing the old go-karting track with a new one elsewhere in Cannock Chase around the time of the closure, but that there had been some opposition and the plans were dropped.

However he would not comment on whether he would be for or against the new application, due to his position on the council's planning committee.

He said: "What I can say is that there was talk about it 15 years ago.

"With the one at Chasewater country park that was closed because of the motorway, there was talk about bringing a new go-kart track to Cannock Chase.

"I know a partnership was looking at it and I think they were in favour of it but I know there was some objections so I am not sure if that is why the plans were dropped."

The application for the go-kart complex was submitted on July 14 by Wallace Estates.

The proposals were verified by the council on July 20.

Wallace Estates is a subsidiary of The Wallace Partnership, a UK investor company.

Currently, for Cannock Chase residents, the nearest karting track is located in Lichfield.

Midland Karting on Wood End Lane offers two tracks and describes itself as the 'ultimate outdoor karting experience'.

Other karting tracks located in Staffordshire include Karting Nation in Stoke-on-Trent and Team Action in Blithbury.