New show building moves a step closer

On Wednesday, district councillors approved new heads of terms with the Newbury and District Agricultural Society, which owns the showground, in conjunction with a planning application for a new livestock building at the site.
The society gained planning permission for the 3,250 sq m building, which will also be used for leisure events, in November last year, but conditions of use needed to be approved.
Under the old agreement, the society was permitted to host 60 days-worth of equestrian events and 100 days-worth of educational events, but this allowance was doubled by the western area planning committee last Wednesday.
The member for Chieveley, Hilary Cole (Con), pleaded with fellow councillors to refer the planning application, which prompted 84 letters of objection and 165 letters of support to the council, back to the local authority’s district planning committee.
Mrs Cole said: “I am, despite what people say, not against the agricultural society. I believe if they were in my position they would be doing exactly the same thing. All I want to do is safeguard my ward and my residents from undesirable developments in the AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty).”
George Chandler (Con, Downlands), described the heads of terms, which restrict the showground from hosting a number of events, including car boot sales and concerts, as ‘appropriate’.
“This agreement is really putting a strong hold on what could be allowed on the showground.
“I’m surprised by how severe it is, but perhaps it’s appropriate,” he said.
The heads of terms, which restrict the showground to holding events between March 26 and November 30, was approved following a marginal vote of five to four.
Council spokeswoman Peta Stoddart-Crompton said that the planning application was now subject to a section 106 agreement – developer contributions – being approved by both parties.
A spokesman for Newbury and District Agricultural Society said: “This takes us another important step nearer a building that will be a great asset to the society and to all those who enjoy our own and other events at Newbury Showground.
“It will bring important animal welfare benefits for the cattle exhibitors at the county show and enable us to expand our growing and successful educational programme.
Assuming that we can now finalise the agreement and raise the necessary funds, we would hope to have the new building in place in time for the 2014 Royal County of Berkshire Show.”