DISUSED Appleton Airfield could be transformed into a motor sports and advanced driving academy if plans are approved.

The application for the site off Arley Road, Appleton Thorn, aims to bring life back to the plot, formerly known as HMS Blackcap, which was actively used during the Second World War as home to more than 40 fleet air squadrons.

Applicant Richard Coe, of Appleton Autodrome Limited, says the initiative would make better, more productive use of the green belt setting that has rarely been used since Shell Property Limited ceased trading there in 2004.

If this early stage ‘environmental assessment’ application is passed, developers would be able to apply for full planning permission to open the site, also known as Stretton Airfield, to the public from 9am until 6pm from Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Around 40 acres of the 72 available would be needed for the proposal.

A conference and training building would be built between existing buildings to be used as an observation platform.

The designs show the developer wants to use a grassed paving system for an overspill car park to create an appearance of open grassland if the area is not in use.

The existing flight control tower would be refurbished for reuse as a track marshalling point.

Developers say the noise from the M56 would be more dominant than vehicles on the airfield.

Mr Coe said: “The vehicular noise associated with the proposed use of the airfield site would not be alien to the prevailing character of the noise environment.”