Plans for a 60-car rally on closed public roads across Hampshire have moved a step closer after the county council confirmed it has no objection to the event going ahead.

The Dimanche Tour of Hampshire 2027 is planned for April 11, 2027, with roads around Crondall, Odiham, Long Sutton and Well set to be used for a special stage rally.

However, the event has not yet been approved.

The decision by Hampshire County Council’s highways department only means the authority has no objection to organisers applying for the next stage of approval from Motorsport UK.

If Motorsport UK grants the required permit, organisers would then need to apply to Hampshire County Council for a motor race order – the legal approval required to allow racing on public roads.

A motor race order is separate from Motorsport UK’s permit.

While Motorsport UK oversees the sporting side of the event, Hampshire County Council would have the final say on whether public roads can be closed and used for the rally.

The proposed rally would start and finish at Lord Wandsworth College in Long Sutton, where organisers plan to set up the event headquarters, service area and spectator facilities.

Competitors would complete an 8.9-mile closed-road route four times, covering around 35.6 miles of competitive driving.

Organisers expect around 60 cars to take part, with vehicles starting at one-minute intervals.

Road closures for the rally stage are expected to run from 7am until 8pm.

The proposals have received support from several local organisations, including Hart District Council, Crondall Parish Council, Odiham Parish Council, RAF Odiham and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

As part of the consultation, organisers from Farnborough District Motor Club visited 131 households that could be affected by the event, with the majority of residents supporting or accepting the plans.

However, Long Parish Council and Well Parish Council are not currently supportive of the rally, although organisers say they have made changes to address concerns raised.

The event is expected to bring economic benefits to the area by attracting competitors and spectators from across the UK.

A final decision on whether the rally can take place will only be made after organisers have secured the necessary Motorsport UK permit and Hampshire County Council considers the application for a motor race order.