Lydden Hill bosses have cancelled a popular two-day event over noise and smoke fears.

The circuit was due to host the British Drift Championship next month but owners pulled the plug after worries the event would “impinge on good relationships” with Dover District Council and nearby residents.

Circuit leaders submitted multi-million pound plans to update the venue in 2015, but a decision on the scheme is yet to be made.

Owner Pat Doran said: “Despite being very supportive of the British Drift Championship, it has been decided that the competition format used when running these hugely powerful drift cars, which create high levels of noise and smoke, would impinge on the good relationships that have been built with the local council and community.

“The championship is a fantastic series, but comes to the circuit as a formatted event of which we have little control over and we cannot run the risk of upsetting the equilibrium we have achieved to date by excessive noise and smoke.

“We are sorry that we have had to cancel this event but feel we have made the right decision to ensure the future of other events at Lydden Hill circuit.”

The track still holds drift track days, but the events feature a new format aimed at curbing noise and smoke.

Mr Doran wants to build a new hospitality centre, grandstands and entrance off Geddinge Lane, aimed at alleviating congestion on the A2 when the track holds popular events.

The announcement comes a month after the circuit hosted its last FIA World Rallycross Championship round.

In a statement, British Drift Championship organiser David Egan apologised to spectators.

The event was due to be held on July 22-23.

He said: “The reason for this cancellation relates to the lack of compatibility between the current event structure and restrictions placed by local residents on the Lydden Hill circuit.

“Both Lydden Hill and the British Drift Championship agree that adhering to said restrictions will limit the potential and entertainment value of the event and hope to find a solution to these issues in the future.”