A psychologist from New York who specialises in the impacts of noise on communities and an acoustics expert from Christchurch will give evidence on behalf of the opponents of the proposed $20 million motorsport park development in Cromwell at the Environment Court in Queenstown today.
Solicitor Gillian Clarke, of Checketts McKay, Alexandra, will represent 16 named appellants appealing the decision of an independent commissioner last November.
Appellant spokesman Robert Galvin said the proposed noise level would be between 65 to 80dbl "on a good day" and would be heard around greater Cromwell.
"The proposed motorsport park is equidistant to the southern suburb of Banockburn and the shopping mall to the north of Cromwell.
Based on expert advice, we, the appellants, consider the noise will be excessive and invasive for many of the surrounding houses.
"They are proposing to have 12 events between September and April, through our summer when most residences operate on an open-house basis, with doors and windows open."
Commissioner Michael Parker approved the resource consent application by Cromwell Motorsport Park Trust Ltd (CMPT) after 239 submissions were received - 212 were in favour, 26 opposed and one was neutral.
CMPT proposed to develop a comprehensive vehicle-testing facility, motorsport racing venue, specialist driver training facilities and an associated commercial and retail complex on the land, situated next to Cromwell's existing speedway and kart track.
The development would be located on 92ha of land about 3km from the town centre.
Mr Parker said the adverse effects of the proposal could be mitigated by conditions.
Similar effects were experienced from Cromwell's existing speedway and kart track and were tolerated by the community, he said.
Mr Galvin said the noise level from the proposed motorsport park would be about three times louder than from the existing speedway, which had eight to 10 events per year.
"Because of the significantly higher noise level and because of the number of race days, which include practice days, we cannot tolerate what is being proposed."
