Grapevine: Mansell's plans hit a snag

Mansell wants to transform the Dunkeswell karting track that he owns, and has applied to build a 30,000 square feet racing venue which would incorporate a restaurant, two residential units, Formula Three and Formula BMW workshops, as well as a medical centre.

But residents from the Devon area, unhappy with the venue that they fear will disturb their peaceful atmosphere, have started the Cancel Mansell campaign, which aims to spoil the former world champion's plans.

"When you see how upset everyone is, it's no use saying, 'I'm eight and a half months pregnant, I want to put my feet up'," said Kirstie Allsopp, a Channel 4 presenter who has just moved into Devonshire.

"It's just become clear that he has very big plans and this is just not the right place for them," she told The Times.

"There are so many places all over the country which are not areas of outstanding natural beauty and which aren't accessed by three roads, two of which have bridges that can't take heavy loads, and one of which goes through such a beautiful, peaceful little village."

Mansell, however, said the claims of the Cancel Mansell group are not true.

"All the concerns they have are spurious and untrue," Mansell said. "This is not a motor racing circuit, it is a kart racing circuit. We have made fantastic gains in noise reduction with the best soundproofing fence currently on the market.

"It has been proved in laboratory testing how successful it is. In tests it reduced noise by 39 decibels. But, with respect, there are noise issues everywhere."

The first stage of Mansell's application has already been passed, allowing him to increase the length of the circuit.