Plans for a hoverkart racing track in Ballasalla have already seen the designers inundated with requests for more information.

Stephen Woodward has submitted an application (19/00018/B) with his business partner James Clucas to convert an empty unit in Balthane industrial estate to house hoverkart racing.

Mr Woodward and Mr Clucas believe that their application for ’Hoverkart City’ will provide the island with something completely different for children and adults alike.

Mr Woodward said he had people asking when he’s hoping to get the track up and running from parents looking for something new for parties.

He said: ’The interest in the hoverkarts is already there. When I pick my kids up from school there are parents asking me about it.

’I’m hopeful that if planning permission is granted then we can be up and running later in spring.’

Aside from providing for children’s parties, the pair believe their plan will have a wider community benefit, saying that giving children in the south something different to do will hopefully keep some from hanging about on the streets.

Another key factor is the design of the hoverkarts, which Mr Clucas insisted are ’very different to go-karts and safe’.

This, they hope, will allow for parents or children who have disabilities to be able to take part with their friends and families.

Mr Woodward said: ’I’ve been to parties where there is a disabled parent or brother/sister and it restricts the amount they can get involved but also puts into the mind of kids playing that they have to play a bit differently too.

’So the hoverkarts will be totally accessible. We’d love to be able to provide that opportunity for kids to race their friends or parents when sometimes they can’t get as involved as others can.’

The pair hope that when the company gets going and grows, they will be able to host more events and races for adults too.

For more information, Mr Woodward and Mr Clucas can be contacted by email on [email protected]