Newbury Showground reins back on plans to use grounds over Winter months

Newbury Showground has reined back on plans to stay open all year round.

It has reduced its ambition to open all year after talks with local parish councils concerned about the impact on residents.

Functions are currently allowed on the Chieveley site between March 26 and November 30.

The showground had wanted to open in the closed period but has now said the main ground will remain closed during that time.

It wants to be able to use the Newbury and District Agricultural Society building on the site for the extra four months of the year.

It wants to change the number of charitable functions from 14 to 21 days, entertainment functions from seven to 14 days and public social functions from 14 to 21 days.

Planning restrictions prevent the showground from holding horse sales, horse races and car boot sales.

It wants to make the shooting restriction more specific to allow air rifle shooting, to enable the hosting of pentathlon-type events.

It says restrictions on the use of shotguns will remain, but wants to amend a clause to allow air guns and archery at the site.

The financial position of Newbury and District Agricultural Society was under the spotlight last year following a financial loss the previous year of almost £200,000.

It was rumoured that the society, which runs the showground, would be put into administration unless land was sold to developers.

That move prompted a membership coup ousting the board last year.

More than 500 people had responded to an online poll run by the Save The Showground group, with 98 per cent in favour of keeping ownership with the society.

“Through the winter the outgoings are higher than income,” explained board member Steve Ackrill.

“But we are happy with the way things are going. If we can use the building through the four extra months that will really help."