A FATHER of four has appealed to Blacktown Council to show compassion by allowing his sons to ride their trailbikes once a fortnight on his Quakers Hill property.
Neil Brewin also wants the council to waive two fines, totalling about $1000, issued after a breach of the council's order not to ride on the rural property about three weeks ago.
The council has received noise complaints from residents of Stonecutters Ridge, who live about 300 metres from Mr Brewin's property.
But next-door neighbour Laura Welsh, who is raising and training six horses for show competition, said she had no problem with the level of noise.
Mr Brewin is also supported by councillor Russ Dickens who said he had been harshly treated by the council.
Cr Dickens said he would appeal to the council on behalf of Mr Brewin not to impose the fines and to allow his sons to use the homemade track to practise for NSW motocross championships.
‘‘All I am asking is for my sons to practise on the track a couple of hours once a fortnight,’’ Mr Brewin said.
‘‘This will keep them out of mischief and aspire them to go for top prizes in the motocross championship.
‘‘We can work out a time acceptable by the council and concerned residents.’’
Mayor Alan Pendleton recently said he was prepared to organise a meeting between Mr Brewin and residents who complained about the noise.
A council spokeswoman said use of the land for such purposes would need consent under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
She said Mr Brewin was issued a penalty notice for a breach of the council’s noise prevention rules on April 30.
‘‘To avoid further council action, Mr Brewin should seek consent for the activity under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act,’’ she said.
Do you support the council’s hard stance or do you think Mr Brewin’s sons should be allowed to ride on the land for a couple of hours per fortnight?