CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a motocross track in countryside near Bicester have been withdrawn following high-profile opposition from local people.

Villagers in Wendlebury welcomed the decision not to press ahead with the plans for the motorcycle racing track - but said they were concerned the proposals could be resubmitted in the future.

The withdrawal was announced just days after Bicester MP Tony Baldry labelled the plans as "madness".

In a letter to Oxfordshire County Council, Mr Baldry said: "It would be madness for this facility to built here.

"It beggars belief that these roads are capable of absorbing such amounts of extra traffic."

The application was withdrawn after Cherwell District Council officers told the applicants it would be recommended for refusal at this week's area planning committee.

They said the decision was based on concerns over noise, access and visual impact.

A spokesman said: "The council understands that the applicant intends to have further discussions with Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, to try to overcome two potential reasons for refusal.

"They also intend to organise a test day at which a large number of motorcycles will be present so that Cherwell's environmental health officers can measure noise levels at locations in the vicinity."

Wendlebury Parish Council chairman Anna McDonaghok said: "This may not be the end of the story. I feel that most of the villagers feel the concerns we have raised are not ones which will be easily solved."

Motocross is a form of motorcycle racing on enclosed off-road circuits, which include natural features as well as man-made jumps.

Local farmer Mark Howard, 47, of Weston Park Farm, who submitted the plans, was unavailable to comment on their withdrawal.

But last month he said he was trying to diversify his business because there was little profit left in farming.