Shropshire car rally given green light despite concerns
The Hills Ford Stages Rally has had mixed responses but has been given approval by Shropshire Council
Shropshire Council has granted permission for a major car rally to take place in September.
The Hills Ford Stages Rally will see around 140 cars race through the Shropshire countryside following a ceremonial opening in Shrewsbury town centre.
At its meeting last night (June 10), Shropshire Council's Cabinet approved the Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) required for the event to take place on September 19 and 20.
The event has generated both support and concern from communities. Issues raised include environmental impact, rural access, farming operations, noise and road suitability, alongside recognition of potential tourism and economic benefits.
Although the event has been given the green light, concerns raised by local councillors, businesses and residents are to be discussed with the event organisers, who say they remain committed to collaborating positively with local communities to help provide or maintain access where possible and safe to do so.
Among those with questions about the suitability of the event were Severn Valley Councillor, Susan Coleman.
"A lot of money is spent on repairing our roads and making them safe for people," she said.
"And having 150 cars tearing through these roads isn't gong to do the road network much good."
Cllr Coleman continued: "I don't have a problem with the rally itself, I just have a problem with it going through Cound.
"I appreciate there are people who like rally activities and that they can be very sociable and bring about events during the day and so on that people enjoy but not in Cound.
"It simply isn't appropriate."
The exact route has not yet been confirmed, but areas affected by road closures would include several parishes in South Shropshire.
The council, as Highway Authority, has confirmed that the organiser has met the statutory criteria required for the TTROs and that there are no operational objections in principle.
The road closures will be temporary, typically taking place in stages during the day with access periods in between, and with arrangements to support residents, businesses and emergency services.
The event is also expected to bring visitor activity and economic benefit to Shrewsbury and surrounding areas, including increased spend in local hospitality and tourism businesses, the council said.
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “Cabinet carefully considered all aspects of this proposal, including the potential benefits for our local economy and the concerns raised by residents and communities.
“This wasn’t a straightforward decision, and it was important that we struck the right balance between supporting opportunities for Shropshire and protecting the interests of those affected.”
Cheltenham Motor Club which is responsible for the event said it has been in touch with local residents
A spokesperson said: "An extensive PR process has taken place with a Motorsport UK-led consultation with the Parish Councils on those roads that form part of the competitive stages.
"This includes direct communications between their communities team and residents on those roads affected by those road closures.
"This began as early as October 2025, with a Motorsport UK-led consultation running for 6 weeks from the start of February.
"At the time of this statement, the event has received a total of 5 objections, this from approximately 250 residential and business properties directly affected by a road closure."
They continued: "It is anticipated that the Hills Ford Stages will generate over £500k income for the county through competitors, marshals, officials and spectators coming from all over the country spending on accommodation, restaurants, food and fuel."