The field would be used for two hours on Friday evenings

It means the motorcycling sport is set to have a home in the city in time for the start of the 2006 season in April.

The track is planned for the St Boniface College playing fields at Coypool, near Marsh Mills. More than 500 people objected to the plans.

Permission is for three years and subject to review. Planners said noise and traffic issues would be addressed.

Further discussions

The city council's planning committee voted seven to four in favour of the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, subject to outstanding matters brought up by the Environment Agency, the Highways Agency and Sport England.

The government bodies want issues regarding flooding management, dealing with local traffic and the impact on a sports field dealt with.

A Plymouth City Council spokeswoman said: "The planning application was minded to grant, but deferred for further discussions with Sport England and Highways Agency, who had made holding objections.

"If they withdraw their objections as a result of these discussions, members have agreed to delegate approval.

"If they maintain their objections, the matter will be referred back to planning committee."

The field would be used for speedway for two hours on Friday evenings from April to September.