THE company behind plans to build a £250 million motorsport centre in Ebbw Vale says noise will not be an issue.

Michael Carrick, chief executive of the Heads of the Valleys Development Company (HVDC) leading the project, said noise generated on the proposed 3.5-mile circuit could be mitigated by the design of the course.

He said the firm would use the natural landscape of the Rassau site to minimise any noise and would plant trees, which reduce the distance sound can travel.

Mr Carrick also reassured some residents who raised concerns the Circuit of Wales sounded too good to be true, and that business ventures promised to the area in the past had failed to materialise.

He said: "These discussions around the Circuit of Wales have gone on for three to four years with investment partners, the organisations behind individual international races, the local authority and the Welsh government. We are very confident that everything is in place, which is why we are pushing ahead with our planning application at this time."

Despite a small number of comments about noise, more than 400 people have now attended community consultations and the HVDC says the response had been overwhelmingly positive.

Many people welcomed the scheme, which is set to create 9,000 jobs and boost the Welsh economy by £50 million a year.

One comment from the feedback forms read: "It would be a fantastic addition to [Blaenau Gwent], creating jobs in a deprived area, improving the community and social development." Another read: "The project is something that would bring the borough into the 21st century and give hope to our young people."

As well as the main race track , there will also be an international kart track and motocross tracks, a technology park to progress motorsport equipment, and a race academy to develop young elite riders and drivers.

A planning application is expected at the end of the month and announcements including detailed designs, the selection of the preferred development partner, industrial partnerships and key events, will come later this year.