Appeal launched over controversial "centre of excellence" in Lambourn

The proposals are for a new block of 36 stables at Weathercock House Stables and Training Centre, with three homes for trainers and their families, a hostel providing bedsit accommodation for 13 stable staff and a new, circular exercise walker.
In addition there would be a new access for pedestrians and horses between the site and the High Street. Two buildings would be removed – one small stable range and one steel framed store.
In their proposal, the agents for applicant Malcolm Denmark, Graham Ash Architects, state: “The intention is to create a centre of excellence for the training and care of racing horses. The existing stables have been underused for the past years and these works and investment will provide a much needed boost for the local economy.”
However the proposals, initially submitted last year, ran into trouble.
Several residents lodged formal objections, citing fears over potential problems with access, drainage, sewage, flooding and traffic congestion.
Meanwhile Lambourn Parish Council objected on the grounds that it would change the character of the area and impact on local roads.
Although planners did not refuse the application, the applicants state: “The appeal is made on the grounds that the local planning authority failed to give notice of its decision within the appropriate period (usually eight weeks).”
In responding the the claim, West Berkshire Council’s head of planning, Gary Lugg,stated: “The application was originally proposed to be recommended for refusal over a number of issues.
“Due to workload pressures, the applicant submitted an appeal for non-determination before the council was able to issue a decision notice under delegated authority witha recommendation for refusal.”
He added: “The impact of three new business units and the new hostel with associated traffic movements, noise and disturbance were also identified as requiring further information in order to ensure a minimal impact on the character of the area.”
The matter will now be decided by Her Majesty’s Planning Inspectorate.
An appeal hearing, open to the public, will be held at 10am on November 11 at West Berkshire Council’s offices in Market Street, Newbury, at 10am.