A decision on whether a motocross venue can open at Three Maids Hill, two miles north of Winchester has been delayed while planners visit the site.

Tony Child and Simon Browne want to open two tracks in a field east of the A34. They had plans for a similar facility on the other side of the road refused by Winchester City Council last year.

Residents of South Wonston and Littleton are worried that the track will create noise and dust.

Motocross fans argue there is desperate need for a regulated track in central Hampshire.

Both sides faced each other when Winchester City Council members met at the Guildhall on Wednesday.

Residents and motocross fans were spilling out of the doors of the Walton Room. Several of those supporting the track were children, who carried placards reading "We need a safe place to ride" and "Come on council, say yes, yes, yes."

Hillary Maclean, representing the applicants, said a regulated track would reduce illegal riding of motorbikes on country tracks.

"A huge number of people have come to show their support today. They have even taken their children out of school to be here, that's how important it is."

Sergeant Paul Owen of Winchester traffic police said many riders they stopped on country tracks complained they had nowhere to ride.

"The police are broadly sympathetic to the fact there has to be somewhere else to go," he added.

Conservative member for Wonston and Micheldever, Barry Lipscomb, agreed that the motocross riders needed a purposebuilt track, but said Three Maids Hill was inappropriate.

"Real nuisance will be caused to innocent and powerless residents who live in the countryside for peace and quiet.

Parish council members in South Wonston and Littleton and Harestock also objected, arguing that the anticipated noise was unacceptable.

Council officers gave a report to members which contained the results of a test using 70 motorbikes.

The report said noise levels were "satisfactory" and that permission should be given for five years, as the applicants had requested.

Officers added that noise would be reduced once the building of earth mounds around the tracks was completed.

The committee voted by seven votes to six to inspect the proposed track on Monday, April 19th. A final decision is expected two days later.