AN international group fighting to protect the environment voiced fresh concerns over a £250m racetrack after a request to block the plans was thrown out.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature waded into the row about the Circuit of Wales in Ebbw Vale after the Welsh government rejected plans to “call in” the multi-million pound project.
The IUCN warned that building the 3.5m track, racing academy, technology and retail park could have a detrimental impact on the 830-acre site including peatland and wildlife.
Dr Rob Stoneman, the chairman of IUCN UK peatland programme, said: “The threat to an area of Welsh moorland including peatland habitat by the proposed Circuit of Wales development is serious issue.
“The importance of peatlands, with their assemblage of unique wildlife, and vital role in storing carbon dioxide, should be a prime consideration.
“ In such a significant matter it would be expected that the Welsh Government ensures the substantial complexities of any mitigation proposals are carefully examined.”
Gwent Wildlife Trust issued the IUCN statement on Friday after the Welsh government decided not to proceed with the call-in procedure, which had been requested by the Open Spaces Society.
ENDS.
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