A GO-kart course which has seen British champions race on its tracks will remain open for the ‘foreseeable future’.

Clay Pigeon Raceway is ‘not closing’ and there are ‘no plans’ to close the course in the next few years – directors say.

It comes after the Echo reported on plans to transform the site surrounding the George Albert Hotel at Wardon Hill into a five-star luxury holiday lodge site.

Many of the older buildings on the hilltop site together with the Clay Pigeon race circuit and the Southern Counties shooting ground would be removed if the plans are approved.

However, it is a three-phase planning application which is speculative.

Lee Rennison of Chelborough Ltd- the company which owns the go-kart course, said: “Yes, this is very clear that the planning permission has been submitted by a third party and until the result and outcome is clear there will be no changes in the foreseeable future.

“If the planning is accepted and a buyer comes forward at the correct level this will change everything I would imagine.

“The reality is a scheme like this could take five-years to materialise even in the strongest market conditions, so I would imagine the 2020 and 2021 calendars wouldn’t be affected in the slightest.”

The circuit remains fully booked for 2020.

The acclaimed go-kart course in Dorset has introduced many youngsters into a motor racing career.

Grand Prix drivers Jensen Button and the Motorsport UK Driver of the Year Lando Norris have both raced on the course.

Mr Rennison added: “Chelborough Ltd have invested millions of pounds in providing one of the country’s most successful kart racing facilities.

“We bring thousands of visitors down to Dorset each year.”