Dovenby's M-Sport complex wants to extend the hours it is allowed to work.

Owners say that building of the test centre, which is currently under way, has been slowed down because of bad weather during the summer months.

They have applied to Allerdale council to be able to work at any time as long as noise levels are kept below the imposed limit in order to meet their schedule.

A condition of planning approval was that work could be carried out from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays to protect nearby properties from noise.

But Northern Developments, which is carrying out the work, said its sound measurement shows work has had no effect on the community.

It said: “The condition has been imposed to protect the amenity of the occupiers of neighbouring properties.

“Our sound measurements taken during the works have proven that the works have no effect on the sound levels recorded in the community, indeed background levels are often higher outside of working time.

“We therefore propose that given the nature of the works being carried out on site that this time restriction is not required.

“What is important is that levels of noise generated do not negatively impact the local amenity.”

Allerdale council has launched a consultation which is open until October 7.

Kamila Winterbottom, of Appleton Court, Bridekirk, said: “I feel that the noise and pollution levels will affect the physical and mental health of local residents, including children and staff from Dovenby Bridekirk school.

“I would also like to object to the absence of valid independent monitoring provisions which would be necessary to check noise levels should the planning application be granted.”

Roy Stenson, of Bridekirk, said: “I strongly object to the changes.

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“These were intended to protect the peace and tranquility of local residents during late and early morning hours of the local residents for the entire construction period.”

Eddie Ward, of Northern Developments, said: “To keep the construction phase on track, we’ve asked the council if Northern Developments can have greater flexibility with operating hours on site.

“That would mean working within set noise levels already in place for other businesses in the area, which is absolutely no problem for us as construction works are currently within existing background noise levels.”