AN application to extend the number of days allowed for testing 'silenced vehicles' at Thruxton Race Circuit is to be discussed by planners next week.

Western Air (Thruxton) Limited wants to increase the number of days from 90 to 120 a year - but some villagers are not convinced by assurances that the proposal would have minimal impact on the surrounding locality.

The application, which is due to be discussed on Thursday, has attracted opposition from 12 villagers in Kimpton, Thruxton, Fyfield and Thruxton Down. They argue that the proposal will mean more unacceptable intrusive noise on nearby properties.

Opponents also argue that road traffic would be increased on rural lanes and they claim that a noise survey report is inadequate.

Members of the northern area planning committee will hear that silenced testing days are mainly used by Thruxton Motor Sport, who sell experience in either exotic road cars or single seat racing cars.

Some days are also used to arrange for prospective buyers of cars like Mercs, BMW, Porsche and MG to drive them in a controlled environment and a variety of conditions with experienced instructors.

Mr Clive Rustin, a spokesman for the Thruxton and District Protection Society, said this week that his organisation had already had a 'very fruitful' meeting with Thruxton Motor Sport.

At that meeting they discussed ways of minimising the affect on surrounding villages should the application be passed. He added: "We would be opposed to the application if it did not have reasonable constraints to ensure that it was tied up sufficiently well so that, if the owner and operator changed, we would not find that there is a great loophole allowing it to be easily altered by someone else."

In a report officers say: "There would be a maximum of 40 vehicles on the track at any one time. It is intended to increase the number of days these activities can take place."

Officers acknowledge that the main consideration is the impact on the amenity of the surrounding area, particularly any noise.

But the report continues: "Based on information from the submitted noise impact report and the advice of the environment and health officer, the effect of the proposal for additional days of non-racing silenced vehicle use on the surrounding locality would be minimal, and there are no grounds on noise impact for refusing the application.

"Additional traffic generation would not in any way be comparable to that which occurs on race days and would not have any significant impact on the surrounding road network or character of the area."