Go-karting plan wins support of hundreds

An indoor go-karting track and laser tag game are poised to kickstart the transformation of a business park in Willenhall after hundreds of people backed the plans.

More than a dozen new jobs will be created at the Alvar Business Park under moves to revamp vacant units which also includes a new vehicle repairs and MOT station.

Some concerns have been raised about noise, parking and impact on the character of the area with a 49 name petition collected in opposition to the scheme.

However, another petition with 578 signatures has been submitted in favour of the proposals claiming the leisure facilities are much needed and will take children and quad bikes off the road.

Members of Walsall Council's planning committee are being recommended to approve the scheme on Thursday.

The go-karting will attract up to 15 people at a time similar to the laser centre, creating around eight jobs. The vehicle repairs operation will bring up to six posts.

The premises will be open seven days a week from 10am until 9pm for the leisure uses with late hours restricted to avoid any nuisance to nearby residents.

A total of 79 parking spaces will be provided at the site off Straight Road with a combination of 35 for the go-karting and laser centre.

In his report to the committee head of planning David Elsworthy says: "The use of the industrial estate for mixed industrial and leisure uses would not unduly impact on the amenities of the surrounding industrial uses. The use of the site later in the evening would add security to the surrounding industrial uses.

"It is unlikely it will result in any significant detrimental impact on the local highway network."