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Trainer Jamie Snowden's successful planning appeal




Inspector rules planners' fears unfounded

RACEHORSE trainer Jamie Snowden has won a planning appeal over continuing development at Folly House in Lambourn.

In 2013, he won permission for the construction of a triple-bay carport and store, six loose boxes to adjoin an existing block, a new purpose-built American barn with 10 loose boxes with feed and tack area and the erection of another separate hay store.

The project aimed to expand the capacity of the yard to 39 boxes and it was supported by Lambourn Parish Council.

But planners then refused a subsequent application to vary a condition of the permission.

The condition stated that the development should remain as one whole unit and be used as an establishment in conjunction with the horse racing industry, and for no other purposes.

In particular it stated that no part of the site should be used as separate residential use, office use, or used as a separate unit or commercial yard, other than in association with the racehorse industry.

One letter of objection was received, which warned: “Removal of this restriction opens the door to taking a yard out of racing.”

Permission was duly refused.

Mr Snowden appealed and now Her Majesty’s Planning Inspector, Helen Heward, has ruled in his favour.

She stated: “[The condition] would take away the existing right to use Folly House as a seperate dwelling.

“There is no evidence to demonstrate how the retention and maintenence of the extended racehorse yard would require the whole of the area, including Folly House, to be operated only as one establishment in conjunction with the racehorse industry.

“[West Berkshire Council planners] do not dispute that that the proposal would strengthen a successful racehorse business.

“The investment and modernisation proposed would likely make the yard less vulnerable to pressures for other uses, diversification, subdivision or fragmentation.”

In granting the appeal Ms Heward concluded: “[The condition] is not necessary to control possible future uses of the development proposed to maintain facilities for the racehorse industry in Lambourn, prevent permanent fragmentation or redevelopment away from uses essential to the horseracing industry.”



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