Lead Member: Councillor David Vasmer, Portfolio Holder for Highways & Waste

Lead Officer: Andy Wilde, Service Director – Infrastructure

REPORT TO FOLLOW – This is due to more information being required

RESOLVED:

1.     To agree to approve the Motor Race Order and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders required to facilitate the Hills Ford Stages Rally on 19–20 September 2026;

2.     In consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Highways & Waste, to delegate authority to the Service Director for Infrastructure to finalise and implement the associated TTROs and operational arrangements

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval of the Motor Race Order and associated Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders required to facilitate the Hills Ford Stages Rally in September. Members were advised that the event would include approximately 140 competing vehicles and was expected to provide a significant economic benefit to Shropshire, with an estimated visitor spend of around £750,000. The decision before Cabinet related only to the road closures and traffic management arrangements, rather than approval of the rally itself, and ongoing discussions with organisers would continue if approval were granted.

Public questions were received from Peter Phillips – in relation to particular concerns about the Linley section of the route and David Taylor, Vice Chair of Pulverbatch Parish Council in relation to the proposed road closure in Church Pulverbatch.  A member question was also presented by Cllr Chris Naylor in relation to concerns raised by rural Pulverbatch residents and Parish Council and whether these had been received and considered.  Questions covered the potential impact on the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, tranquillity, wildlife, tourism, farming operations, public rights of way and local businesses. Concerns were expressed that residents could experience lengthy access restrictions, that visitor attractions and holiday accommodation businesses could be affected, and that vulnerable road users including walkers, cyclists and horse riders would be inconvenienced.

Questions were also raised about lessons learned from a previous rally proposal in Herefordshire, the adequacy of consultation undertaken by organisers and whether further consideration should be given to removing specific route sections.

Officers confirmed that representations received had been reviewed as part of the assessment process and that the proposed route had already undergone revisions. It was confirmed that the event had received a Motorsport UK permit, that insurance arrangements were in place, and that no fundamental operational or technical issues had been identified that could not be addressed through mitigation measures. Officers explained that road closures for competitive stages would operate for approximately 2½ hours in the morning and afternoon, with managed access arrangements where operationally safe, and that environmental, agricultural, access and community issues remained the subject of ongoing discussions with organisers.

During the debate, questions were raised by members present about the extent of consultation with affected communities, particularly relating to routes between stages, the impact on rural residents and farming operations, and the suitability of holding a rally within the National Landscape. Some members argued that Shropshire Council had a duty to conserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty and tranquillity and questioned whether the environmental impacts outweighed the benefits. Requests were made for further mitigation measures and consideration of alternative routes, particularly for the Linley and Pulverbatch sections.

Other members highlighted the wider economic and tourism benefits of the event, noting that some disruption was inevitable with major events but could be managed through appropriate planning and engagement. It was argued that similar community concerns arose with other large events and that a balance must be struck between temporary inconvenience and economic opportunities for local businesses. Rally organisers had committed to ongoing engagement with residents, businesses and parish councils, and that measures would be in place to inspect and repair any damage to roads or verges following the event.

Following a free vote, Cabinet approved the recommendations to make the necessary road closure orders, with six members voting in favour and three against. Cabinet requested that further work continue with organisers, local members and affected communities to address outstanding concerns, particularly in relation to the Pulverbatch and Linley sections, and that any mitigation measures and revised arrangements be communicated to those affected as the event planning process progressed.

RESOLVED

3.1 Consider the proposal to hold the Hills Ford Rally in Shropshire and, if agreed to approve the Motor Race Order and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders required to facilitate the Hills Ford Stages Rally on 19–20 September 2026;

3.2 In consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Highways & Waste, delegate authority to the Service Director for Infrastructure to finalise and implement the associated TTROs and operational arrangements should approval be granted.