The descendants of society diarist Henry 'Chips' Channon are seeking planning permission to operate a motocross track at Kelvedon Hall, his Grade I-listed Essex estate, which he famously described as a "dream of quiet well-bred tranquillity". Two motocross tracks and three associated buildings were constructed without planning permission, leading to a retrospective application to Brentwood Council and a planning dispute. A noise complaint in April triggered council involvement, with the Parish Council expressing concern the operation could constitute a statutory noise nuisance. This has already delayed a planned major motorsport event scheduled for the estate until 2027.

The motocross tracks currently operate three days a week (Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays) between 10am and 3pm, with tests conducted using eight bikes and projections modelled for up to 20 bikes operating simultaneously. The facility is part of The Right Track, a youth engagement scheme working with young people including offenders and those at risk of offending, which Essex Police has previously commended. The Georgian mansion, built in 1743 and purchased by Channon in 1937, remains a Grade I-listed property with historic features including ornate reception rooms, a private chapel and Adam-style decoration. Channon, an American-born Conservative MP and prominent pre-war socialite, frequently wrote about Kelvedon in his famous diaries until his death in 1958.