'World class gallops' project by Jamie Osborne given green light in Lambourn

A new "world class" horse racing gallops that was recommended for refusal in Lambourn has been given the go-ahead.

The reversal in fortune's for trainer Jamie Osborne's project came at a meeting of West Berkshire Council's western area planning committee on Wednesday night.

Planning officers had opposed the plan at New Barn Farm on Wantage Road because of the perceived impact on the character and appearance of the area and setting of the site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

They were also concerned about tree felling which has taken place in order to accommodate the straight gallop.

But due to the huge amount of public debate, with three objections but numerous formal letters of support from the horseracing community, the matter was 'called in' to the planning committee.

A planning officer's report considered by the committee stated the proposed 6m-wide gallop, 3m access track, two gallop circles, collecting ring and other horse tracks would result in the total removal of a significant quantity of woodland vegetation, resulting in a direct adverse landscape impact.

Mr Osborne told the committee: "It was my idea to build the best gallop I possibly could."

Ward councillor Howard Woollaston (Con, Lambourn) said the importance of the racehorse training industry to Lambourn and the wider area could not be overestimated.

In supporting the application he added: "It is the most important local industry, generating over £26m per annum to the local economy, employing one in three people of working age in Lambourn and Upper Lambourn.

"I'm most passionate about my support of this key industry.

"The applicant is trying to achieve, literally, a world class facility, with spin-off benefits to the whole of West Berkshire."

The application was duly approved.

* For a full report of the meeting, grab a copy of next week's Newbury Weekly News.