Local News · Wiltshire-wide
Plans lodged for new karting track at historic Latton dairy site
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A proposal to transform the former Co-operative Wholesale Society dairy in Latton into a karting track has been submitted to Wiltshire Council.
A site with significant local industrial history could be transformed into a sporting venue if new planning proposals are approved. Cotswold Driving Experiences has lodged an application to establish a karting track at the former Old Creamery site in Latton, located between Swindon and Cirencester.
Between 1936 and 1996, the Latton site served as a vital Co-operative Wholesale Society dairy, producing evaporated milk, condensed milk, and tinned cream for households across the UK. During its peak in the mid-1950s, the facility provided employment for over 100 local people. Despite the demolition of most structures in the late 1990s, the land has remained largely vacant, with planning documents noting that it has struggled to attract new tenants for approximately two decades.
The applicant, who already operates rally and off-road driving experiences on an adjacent former quarry, intends to incorporate karting as part of the wider site offering. The proposed development includes the renovation of remaining buildings to serve as offices and reception facilities. To address potential noise concerns for the surrounding area, the developers have proposed the installation of acoustic fencing around the track perimeter.
In the application submitted to Wiltshire Council, the developers highlighted that the site is already situated near a significant source of ambient noise, the A419 dual carriageway. To further mitigate the impact on the local community, the applicant has outlined several operational restrictions. The proposed plans state that karting activity will be strictly limited to daylight hours and the number of vehicles on the track will be capped at 10 at any one time.
Residents and interested parties have until 6 October to submit their views on the proposal as part of the public consultation process. The application can be viewed via the Wiltshire Council planning portal, where locals can comment on whether they believe the repurposing of this long-vacant site is suitable for the area.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original