Testing times for Top Gear
The new- look Clarkson/ Hammond/ May- less Top Gear has been besieged with setbacks, controversies and a semi- sustained critical mauling. About the only thing it isn’t kneedeep in at present is . . . enthusiastic viewers.
And now comes a new threat from an unlikely quarter.
It appears a development firm has plans to bulldoze the famed Top Gear test track ( or Dunsfold Park Aerodrome as it is called on the gate signs) in Surrey, to make way for an1800- home subdivision.
The airfield, replete with aircraft, has been the site of speed tests of many of the world’s most exotic supercars, as well as the scene of challenging failures at the hands of the ex- presenter line- up.
The circuit was also home for the show’s Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment, in which celebrities such as Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Saunders and Tom Cruise raced against the clock in a variety of cutprice hatchbacks.
The destruction of the airfield in favour of housing isn’t a done deal, though. Campaigners who oppose the plan — that has already been approved by the local borough council — have taken their fight to the next level, having requested a public inquiry.
Rather than anything to do with petrol hedonism, or a love of three men making things explode, campaigners claim the local infrastructure cannot handle the extra population a new housing development would bring.
When the development was given the green light in December, there were some Top Gear fans upset that the UK was set to lose one of its most recognisable motoring venues, which has even been replicated in racing simulation games, including the
Forza Motorsport series. A member of the Top Gear Fans Facebook group, said at the time: “At the end of World War II, there were more than 250 airfields in the UK and some of these have become motoring venues, like Dunsfold. Few remain for motorsport use, so it is vital that no more are built on. Stop all future redevelopment before it's too late.” The track is still being used by
Top Gear now hosted by Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid.
The BBC said: “Wehave long been aware of the planning application for Dunsfold Park, but do not anticipate this will impact on the filming of Top Gear at the site for the foreseeable future.”
Regardless of what happens, the sound of 1800 homes being developed by construction companies using heavy machinery will probably still be a lot quieter than having an excited Jeremy Clarkson bellowing “Poweeeeer!” over the back fence.