Showground plans recommended for refusal

West Berkshire Council's district planning committee will discuss plans for a new cattle shed tonight (Wednesday)

PLANS for a new cattle shed at Newbury Showground have been recommended for refusal by West Berkshire planning officers.

The plans, for a building for showing livestock, plus assembly and leisure uses on non-show days at the showground in Chieveley, are being called before West Berkshire Council's district planning committee tonight (Wednesday) owing to the level of objection to the plans.

Planning officers said in their report that they found the proposal to be "entirely unacceptable" because of the visual impact the development would have on the surrounding area, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and because of the size and scale of it.

The plans were initially approved by West Berkshire Council's Western Area Planning Committee in September but referred up to the district planning committee because they go against national planning policy.

The Western Area Planning Committee had approved the planned 12m high livestock exhibition building, which could house up to 500 cattle, because it said improved facilities were essential for the continued success of the annual Royal County of Berkshire Show.

So far 298 letters of representation have been submitted to West Berkshire Council, both for and against the plans.

Those who have objected include Michael Jackson of Green Lane, Chieveley, who said that it would create increased noise and disturbance for nearby residents.

Dr Ceri Mathews of Woodlands Close, Curridge, said: "A building, road and pond would represent further, unacceptable development within the AONB.

"If this application is successful I anticipate future applications to build, for example, improved parking and spectator facilities."

Garth Simpson of Stoney Lane, Cold Ash, said: "This planning application is for a facility that has a low usage per year, but will exist there for 365 days per year.

"It is of considerable size and unappealing visually."

However, supporters of the plans included Ted Bell, who said: "I find the planning officers' unwillingness to support the application difficult to understand in view of the cogent animal welfare arguments and the great value of this proposed development to the county and district, especially educationally and economically."

Duncan Hodge said: "The present arrangements are totally inadequate for the comfort of the livestock and or the general public to view and further their understanding of British agriculture."

Alison Brown said: "The use of the show ground has an effect on local pubs, B&B's, hotels and the spending power in Newbury and surrounding area."

The district planning committee meeting will take place at West Berkshire Council's Market Street offices from 6.30pm.