A karting centre in Wroughton could be allowed to stay open.

Winners has run the centre in a hanger at Wroughton Airfield since 1997 and now wants permanent planning permission.

But the parish council, the Science Museum and three neighbours have objected.

The move comes after Swindon Council refused to allow the hangar to be used for storage and distribution because of the traffic it would generate.

Steve Coen, owner of the site and managing director of Winners, said: "As a business we have got to try to use the site for something. I just hope that the karting will go through. We have been there for seven years and I don't think it has caused major problems. I think it is a benefit to Swindon."

Mr Coen added that he would appeal if permission was refused. An appeal is also pending on use of the hangar for storage.

The last permission for karting at the site ran out at the end of last year but the business has continued while the council considers the future.

Three Priors Hill residents and one from Wootton Bassett have objected to the karting because of noise, increased traffic and loss of visual amenity.

The Science Museum has objected on similar grounds but also asked that if permission is granted conditions are applied.

They are to restrict the number of visitors, restrict the number of car parking spaces, make sure the venue is only used until 7pm not 10pm and allow no outdoor activity or storage.

Wroughton Parish Council argues that the traffic generated would cause safety problems, damage the environment and impact on residents. It claims its objections are strengthened by the history of breaches of planning conditions at the site. Planning officers have recommended permission be given with a number of conditions including that no storage or activity be allowed outside and hours are limited to 10am-10pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-8pm on Sunday.

The company would also have to tell visitors to get there via the unclassified road alongside the former Princess Alexandra RAF Hospital and to provide signs to direct traffic thus. Mr Coen says he is already doing that and hardly any visitors use Priors Hill.

The plans will be discussed at a planning meeting on Tuesday.

Isabel Field