THE iconic Top Gear test track is finally set to be bulldozed and turned into a massive housing estate.

The move, which has been in the pipeline for some time, has finally been given the official go ahead after the Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid personally approved the move which will see 1,800 new homes built on the site.

8 Credit: Splash News

The Top Gear track at Dunsfold Aerodrome is to be bulldozed and turned into a housing estate

The site could also be home to shops, schools and churches which has been an integral part of the popular BBC motoring show since the long-running series was revitalised in 2001.

The aerodrome in Surrey could also get a new name - Dunsford Park.

Leader of the local Council, Councillor Julia Potts, said: "I am delighted that the Secretary of State has granted planning permission as this development will provide significant benefits to the local community, of the 1800 new homes 540 will be affordable.

"The development will also create over 1,000 new jobs and secure substantial financial contributions for much-needed infrastructure."

8 The race track has featured in episodes of Top Gear since the show was given a new lease of life in 2002 Credit: Handout

8 Presenter Matt Le Blanc takes a Rolls Royce for a spin on the race track Credit: BBC

8 The airfield in Surrey has been home to the show since 2001, when Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson presented the cult hit Credit: Alamy

8 Celebs including Cameron Diaz have driven around the circuit as part of the show, as well as professional racing drivers Credit: Splash News

However, the decision to axe the airfield in Cranleigh, Surrey has been met with a backlash from fans.

Keith Lane said: "At the end of World War Two, there were over 250 airfields in the UK and some of these have become motoring venues, like Dunsfold.

"However, many of these venues have now been re-purposed as housing. Eventually, there will be none left at all.

"There are now very few remaining for motorsport use, so it is vital that no more are built on. Stop all future redevelopment before it's too late."

Bob Lees, Chairman of Protect Our Waverley, said: "We are very disappointed that the Secretary of State has permitted this development to go ahead.

"While more housing is needed, it should be put in the right place and Dunsfold is clearly not the right place, with its totally inadequate infrastructure."

8 One fan said that the air field closure wouldn't matter - as Top Gear was finished now it had changed cast, with Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc presenting last series Credit: BBC

But fan Wayne Bridgman said: "Top Gear is finished without Clarkson, Hammond and May, so it won't matter."

The track was used when Jeremy Clarkson hosted the show and more recently last year with Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc.

Plans for the housing development were first mooted in 2006.

8 A local councillor in the area said there were plenty of other disused airports Top Gear could use for filming, while BBC sources said it would not affect filming for the foreseeable future Credit: Splash News

8 Campaigners say the track is a staple of the show and are demanding for Top Gear to continue to drive on it Credit: Fame Flynet

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The Sun told in October last year how hundreds of young Top Gear fans had their official track days at Dunsfold axed.

The firm running them ceased trading which coincided with the popularity of the show plummeting.

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