ADELAIDE Plains Council (APC) has scrapped a controversial plan to ban motorbike trail riding on private property, after a fierce backlash from residents.

The draft bylaw no 6 – motorcycle amenity, had been in the pipeline since 2016, when the previous council chamber voted to consult with local police and lawyers to create a plan to regulate the long-enjoyed practice of dirt bike riding on private property.

If the bylaw had been introduced, motorbike owners would need permission from council to ride on their own land if they were within 500m of a neighbouring dwelling.

Farmers using motorcycles for work purposes would have been exempt from the permits.

In October, elected members voted to send the bylaw out for public consultation, with the council receiving 165 submissions in a 21-day period.

Of the responses, 146 were opposed to the changes, while 16 were in favour of the by-law.

After the backlash, elected members voted to scrap the proposed policy at their meeting last Tuesday night, on the advice of council staff.

One submission to the public consultation process said the bylaw was “draconian”.

“This (the bylaw) I find to be a draconian answer to an issue of bad neighbouring,” the submission read.

“Much better ways of finding middle ground should always be perused. Any bylaw changes, I feel, could and would set a dangerous precedent.

“No one should be empowered to have that much control on a neighbour’s life.

“This week it’s a motorcycle, next month, next year, a chain saw, a strimmer or ride-on lawnmower.”

The bylaw aimed to cut down on noise and dust disturbances created by riders, and was a reason many positive submissions supported it.

Another submission, supporting the bylaw, called motorbike riders “feral” and “disrespectful”.

“I am so happy that the council is finally taking steps to stop the feral members of our community taking over and running riot,” the submission read.

“While I am not directly affected myself, I have a number of close friends within the Lewiston area who moved to the area to have a small scale farm and a rural lifestyle… and are living pure hell because feral neighbours feel it is their right to ride dirt bikes on the property day in, day out, around and around in circles with no regard for the purpose of the area.”

A report presented to elected members at last week’s meeting indicated it would be difficult for staff to enforce the bylaw and would stretch resources.

“Feedback from members of the community received as part of the public consultation process would indicate that the introduction of the bylaw will have a significant impact in terms of restriction on what is currently, save for activity where there is a commercial element, a lawful use of private land,” the report read.

“Council must consider whether such as restriction is warranted given the amount, nature and history of the complaints received by staff and the feedback received from the community.”