The Central Otago Motorcycle Club entered into an agreement with the Cromwell Community Board nine years ago to occupy and manage the track on land at the Cromwell end of Bannockburn Rd owned by the Central Otago District Council.
At a CODC hearings panel meeting in Alexandra this week, resource management planner Catherine Boulton, representing the club, said the organisation thought its agreement covered the operation of the track, and it had recently discovered otherwise.
Mrs Boulton said the track's operating hours were 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-6pm Sunday.
She requested the hours remain unchanged.
Bannockburn Rd resident Peter Kircher appeared at the hearing on behalf of himself and his wife, Lois, to voice concern about noise, dust, and evening use of the track.
Mr Kircher said in an ideal world the track would be moved to a more suitable site, although he would accept additional bunding to mitigate noise, reduced operating hours, and a cap on annual events.
"What gets to you in the end is just the constant noise. I would be happy for the track to be open until 6pm but no later," he said.
Mrs Boulton said the track was a community facility, kept young riders within an enclosed area and away from general recreation reserves, and attracted visitors through annual race events.
She said if the operating hours were reduced, most people would not be able to ride during the week as they worked until 5pm, and a maximum number of 10 events each year would be accepted by the club.
Up to 40 riders were allowed on the track at any time.
Mrs Boulton said additional bunding could be constructed to mitigate noise, a security guard would be employed and water would be applied to the track to prevent dust.
The club received written approval from 11 parties considered to be affected by the track operation including the Department of Conservation.
Mr and Mrs Kircher were the only submitters.
CODC planning consultant David Whitney recommended the council grant consent subject to 15 conditions, including closure at 5pm Monday to Saturday.
The panel reserved its decision, which it should release within 15 working days.
