Kart circuit used by F1 drivers set for demolition

A karting track where Formula 1 stars, including Lando Norris and Jensen Button, started their careers is to be turned into a holiday park.

Councillors approved plans demolish Clay Pigeon Raceway, near Dorchester, to make way for 226 chalets.

The redevelopment site, behind the George Albert Hotel on the A37, also includes a static caravan park and a disused clay pigeon shooting ground.

A Dorset Council planning committee heard pleas to reject the plans and keep the track but voted five to three, with one abstention, to approve the proposal.

Dan Parker, head of Karting Motorsport UK, told councillors: "The venue has played an important part in British karting for decades and has supported the development of competitors, officials and volunteers, clubs and all their families throughout the south west and far beyond."

He said there were only six or seven other venues in the country able to host the type of events held at Clay Pigeon.

At the planning committee meeting on Tuesday, councillor Alex Brenton said the site was an isolated location for a holiday park and that she would support keeping the racetrack, however, the committee could only decide on the application.

She said: "It's a good thing to redevelop this site but, personally, I don't like it."

Councillor Rory Major said the committee had no reason to vote against the proposal.

"It's up to the site owner and they don't want to continue the race track use," he said.

The raceway, founded in the late 1950s, was built on a disused World War Two military hospital and, according to its website, has hosted nearly every major championship to tour Britain.

It was where Norris and Button began their motorsport careers and Lewis Hamilton also raced there during his early karting days.

The circuit continues to advertise racing events until the end of 2026.