Councillors have opposed plans to stage an annual motor sport event at Watergate Bay.

Newquay Town Council’s planning and licensing committee voted to object to the Watergate Bay Sprint, which is due to be held on September 16 and 17.

Some residents want to put a stop to the race being staged as the event shuts off the B3276 for two days a year during daytime.

Residents in Newquay, St Mawgan and Mawgan Porth complain they have to take a 14-mile detour while the race is held, which they say is unacceptable during the cost of living and climate crisis.

Dr Liz McKenzie, the chairman of St Mawgan-in-Pydar Parish Council, and St Columb Minor and Colan Cornwall councillor John Fitter, have both previously spoken out against the Watergate Bay Sprint being held.

A spokesman for Newquay Town Council said: “It was felt that this event could not be supported by the town council due to the impact the proposed road closure would have on those who live and work within that area.

“Although an alternative route is provided it would increase mileage and time for those who are required to attend a place of work and therefore may impact on the businesses in a negative manner.   

“While some reassurance had been provided by the advice of the RSPB that the nesting period was over, the committee were still concerned at the effect of the birds in the area particularly the corn buntings.   

“Members noted the comments made from neighbouring parishes as well as the Cornwall councillor who also voiced concerns that are similar to the town council.     

“Members felt that an alternative off-road route would be more suitable and more likely to ease their concerns.”

Councillor Joanna Kenny, the chairman of Newquay Town Council’s planning and licensing committee, said: “This was the majority view but it was a split vote.  

“I wasn’t alone in thinking that for a tourist town I would welcome this type of event, which extended our season.”

Watergate Bay Motorsport hosted a drop-in consultation at Mawgan Porth Village Hall on Sunday ahead of applying for permissions to stage this year’s race.

The event organisers Truro and District Motor Club need permission from Motorsport UK before they can apply for a licence and road closures from Cornwall Council.

Hundreds of spectators and racers have converged on Watergate Bay annually for the hill climb race since it was first held in 2018 though there was a break in the event during the covid lockdown.