How M-Sport makes a rally car

"You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn) 01/08/2015 at 11:30 • Filed to: wrc, rally, M-Sport

1

3

If you like rally, cars, race cars and mechanical bits you need to set aside 16 minutes and watch this video. There isn't much in the way of technical information thrown around but you do get to see what goes into building an M-Sport rally car. You also get to see some Bentley Continental GT3's in various states of undress. I'd like to see more of the fabrication and assembly of the car, but it's still a decent video.

Svend > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 01/08/2015 at 11:54

1

My dad worked for Malcolm Wilson at his old Saab dealership and keep meaning to pop down to Dovenby Hall in Cockermouth to have a look around if they'd let me.

They recently got approval for a £19m expansion for a technical testing centre, track and onsite hotel adding 100 more staff to the present 200 staff.

Malcolm wants to go in more regular automotive technology alongside the rally scene.

The future looks quite bright for the company only the with the expansion there are limits such as no public spectators at the track and no racing with a limited number of days for all out testing due to locals complaining of possible excessive noise.

Article from our local newspaper News and Star.

Allerdale council's development panel vote to approve the company's controversial plan after hours of debate.

But the ultimate decision may rest with the Government after a request went to the Secretary of State for the application to be called in.

Protestors gathered at the Wave Centre, Maryport, where about 50 people attended the debate.

M-Sport said the development, to include a vehicle test track, would create 100 jobs at its site near Cockermouth.

It would be a springboard to develop new cars and technology for the general automotive business. The initial application is the first step in a huge development at the site.

The company also sought outline planning permission for future expansion to include a 60-bedroom hotel, 2,450sq m of office space and extra parking.

Malcolm Wilson, M-Sport managing director, said afterwards: "We welcome today's decision which safeguards 220 current jobs and creates over 100 new positions as part of our expansion plans.

"The general automotive industry is the fastest growing sector of manufacturing in the UK and it is essential that M-Sport is well placed to respond to market and manufacturer requirements.

"Our development team has worked closely with officers from Allerdale council for over four years in delivering this application.

"It's great news that it has been supported and approved by the committee.

"The benefits will extend to the wider supply chain and our local economy.

"We've had some objections and take our responsibility seriously and we will work hard to ensure community confidence is restored where required."

M-Sport said that work would begin early next year and create more than 200 construction jobs.

The council received more than 270 letter of objection and 40 of support.

A 25-signature petition was submitted asking for Dovenby Hall to be de-allocated for employment and protected for its heritage and ecology value.

Resident Crask Heasman raised concern about the noise impact on Bridekirk Dovenby School, 660m from the test track.

Tony Riddell said the plan did not factor in social or environmental benefits.

Dovenby resident Mike Fossey said the company should do its testing where tracks already existed at Greystoke Forest or Kirkbride.

Stefan Mrugalski said it was incomprehensible that the scheme was being considered in such a tranquil setting.

Ian Chambers said all cars tested should be required to use a silencer. He claimed there were more convenient testing sites nationally.

David Magrath said there was no economic justification for the track.

Concern was raised by the Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Cumbria County Council about the loss of ancient woodland and by Sport England about the loss of a cricket pitch.

Ward councillor Tony North shared residents' concern over noise levels.

Roy Stenson, of Bridekirk Parish Council, said the scheme would mean a considerable loss of amenity for all time.

But Graeme Forrester, secretary of Wigton Motor Club, said: "We need hi-tech jobs where we have lost heavy industry over the years.

"Motor sport has a very proud heritage in Cumbria over many decades."

David Kirkwood of Prospect, Aspatria, a friend of Mr Wilson, said: "He is committed to Cumbria as paramount in his life and in his business. M-Sport is at the forefront of this multinational industry."

Andrew Wheatley, business development manager for M-Sport, said the firm had customers in 37 countries and its core business was the World Rally Championship.

He added: "We are having to turn away business because we physically don't have the space on site to undertake all the work we are offered."

He said existing tracks used by the company were not suitable for training and development and other tracks were not available for the firm to use.

He added that the track would be used to check all components in a vehicle were working rather than to test the speed capabilities.

He said 75-80 per cent of M-Sport staff were now local and about 30 apprenticeships would be included in the 100 new jobs.

Bob Metcalfe, agent for M-Sport, said the new jobs would be in place by the end of 2017.

The scheme was recommended for approval by planning officers, subject to 41 planning conditions, including a ban on races, competitions and non-corporate spectators at the track.

Environmental health officers said there would be a noise management plan and robust monitoring of noise. Bunding was being looked at to help mitigate noise.

Councillor Binky Armstrong moved approval subject to six planned testing days a year at a 75 decibel average, which had been requested by M-Sport, not being allowed. Coun Margaret Jackson seconded him.

The vote was won by 10 votes to one against from Coun Nicky Cockburn.

Mr Wheatley said that M-Sport would now have to assess how the extra limitation may affect what can be done at the site, but the ultimate ambition was to move forward on the road car development side of the business which is not affected by the limitations.

Coun Cockburn had moved refusal, seconded by Coun Bill Finlay. This motion was lost with two votes for and nine against.

An earlier panel meeting about the scheme was called off after the council was warned a decision to approve could be open to legal challenge. Officers postponed the meeting so its legal team could clarify the issues.

The National Planning Casework Unit will now decide whether to call in the decision, which could see a planning inspector overrule the council's approval.

First published at 20:37, Tuesday, 23 December 2014

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Svend 01/08/2015 at 13:49

1

It's too bad there are so many restrictions on the expansion. At least it will bring a lot of good jobs to your area. If you get a chance to tour it you will have to give us a report. I would guess you won't get to take pictures, but if you can get a tour and they let you take photos that would be especially awesome to see.

Svend > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 01/08/2015 at 13:56

0

I'm going to make an effort to go there in the spring or summer time.

I'm hoping the restrictions will get looked at again over time. No point arguing at the planning stage for something like this, get whatever you can get through, get the building work done and then use it as justification for getting some of the restrictions looked at.

Slowly, slowly catch a monkey.