The noise limits of the controversial test track at M-Sport’s planned £19 million research centre at Dovenby are set to be decided on Tuesday.

Allerdale council has called a development panel meeting to deal solely with the noise management plan for the Dovenby Hall project.

It comes as motor manufacturers Ford and Bentley have signalled their intentions to use the new evaluation centre, which was given planning permission in January 2015.

Rally firm M-Sport has said the development will create more than 100 skilled jobs, with 20 new positions already created as demand for the firm’s services increases and it expands into mainstream automotive technology.

M-Sport’s plans for the new design and test centre at the existing rally firm base prompted more than 270 letters of objection to the council, with many nearby residents raising concerns about noise. There were 40 letters of support.

Consultation over noise management brought another 74 letters of objection or comments on the proposed noise management plan, along with eight letters of support.

Under a draft plan submitted to the council, the company wanted to be

allowed a maximum noise level of 76 decibels, equivalent to the noise of a 65mph family car 25ft away.

This has since been reduced to 73dB amid concerns the higher level would be unacceptable in some surrounding areas, particularly Dovenby itself.

The noise generated by a vacuum cleaner, dishwasher or shower is roughly 70dB.

Prolonged use at that level would not be allowed, with a top average noise level over five minutes of 60dB proposed, and a top average of 55dB over the course of an hour.

These levels would only be allowed for up to 45 days a year, on weekdays no more than once a week and for no more than five hours at a time.

Lower levels would be allowed at other times.

No use of the test track is allowed on Sundays or bank holidays.

The track could not be used before 8.30am nor after 5pm during British Summer Time or after 7pm the rest of the year.

Objectors say the proposed levels are high and unacceptable, resulting in a loss of amenity and affecting mental health and wellbeing.

Residents fear they will be forced to persistently complain to highlight breaches.

If any noise limits were exceeded, the plan sets out that testing should immediately cease while the cause is investigated.

The council could take enforcement action if noise conditions were broken and could prosecute the firm if it failed to comply with an enforcement notice.

Under the proposals, M-Sport would be required to upload track use data to a dedicated area of its website and a complaints procedure would be in place.

M-Sport’s managing director Malcolm Wilson would have overall responsibility for complying with the restrictions.

In a report to councillors, planners said: “It is recognised that some level of variability in the noise produced will be required to enable the test track to operate however this needs to be balanced with the need to provide protection to the community.”

The development panel meeting will take place at Allerdale House, Workington, at 1pm on Tuesday. Councillors will visit the site in the morning.