Controversial plans for a multi-million pound new driving centre near Stafford have been scrapped, it was revealed today.

Driveme.net Ltd has withdrawn its £12 million application to transform Seighford Airfield after the proposals were recommended for refusal. 

But the company is not giving up on its plans for expansion. Instead, its director has pledged to go back to the drawing board and come up with less contentious plans “at the earliest opportunity”. 

Driveme.net gives enthusiasts the chance to get behind the wheel of a variety of fast and prestigious cars such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porches. It previously said its expansion scheme would create jobs, boost the local economy and revitalise the former Second World War airbase. 

But the plans drew fierce opposition from locals in neighbouring villages. Citing concerns over increased noise, traffic and pollution in the area, more than 100 campaigners staged a protest against the scheme last month. 

And although Stafford Borough Council received 99 letters in support of the plans, it received 110 letters objecting to the scheme, which was due to be considered by Stafford Borough Council’s development control committee tomorrow.  

However, planning officers recommended the scheme for refusal ahead of the meeting. They said the development would generate excessive noise, endanger wildlife, conflict with policies to reduce car use and be too big for the rural location.

As a result, bosses at Driveme.net Ltd have now withdrawn the plans. Driveme.net director Allan Davies said: “We have withdrawn the plans so that we can have reasonable time in which to address the concerns raised through the consultation process.

“We shall be working with officers at Stafford Borough Council to progress towards making a viable resubmission at the earliest opportunity.” 

The 102-acre airfield, off Clanford Lane, is currently home to agricultural land, old runways and hangars. 

Driveme’s plans included creating a 4×4 off-road experience track, a junior circuit and a workshop, along with a two-storey building, a 304-space car park and a 6ft high perimeter mesh fence. Driveme.net has operated using portable buildings at the airfield since 2004.