Bloodstock complex extension at Land To East Of Goffs UK, Sandall Beat Road, Doncaster

What was proposed

The application sought to enclose 1.14 hectares of public open space for the bloodstock complex, with a 2.2-metre fence and landscaping.

“Proposal Description: The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of public open space to form an extension to the Goffs UK bloodstock sales complex, enclosing a 1.14 ha parcel of land with a 2.2m high boundary fence together with associated landscaping. No new access is proposed to the highway; the new enclosure will be accessed solely from within the existing Goffs site.”

“The proposal seeks to address this issue, providing a secure enclosure where temporary stabling facilities (to be erected under permitted development rights for less than 28 days in a calendar year) to accommodate the existing demand for horse stabling on sales days, and to improve the welfare of the horses and decrease vehicle movements between the sales complex and the racecourse.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site is open space beside the existing bloodstock complex, bounded by roads, playing fields, public open space and established trees.

“Site and Surroundings: The application site comprises 1.6 hectares of open space to the east of Goffs UK at the western end of the Sandall Beat Playing Fields. Goffs UK is a bloodstock sales complex comprising 500 stables, showing areas and a main building that houses a sales ring, offices, restaurant, bar and associated amenities. The site conducts 9 individual sales events per annum over 33 days, offering for sale approximately 2,332 horses per year.”

“The site comprises an area of informal grassed playing field; whilst there are marked football pitches further to the east, this part of the field contains no marked pitches. It hosts the annual travelling circus. The site lies within the Countryside Policy Area (‘CPA’) and an area of public Open Space (‘POS’) as designated in the adopted Doncaster Local Plan (2021). Relevant Planning History Application Site:”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered the bloodstock complex, a hay barn, a small shed and racecourse advertising.

“23/02160/ADV Racecourse Perimeter advertising of race day and non-racing events Advertisement Consent Granted 28.02.2024 Goffs UK Doncaster complex:”

“06/01615/FULM Erection of bloodstock sales complex, comprising sales building, stable yard, parade ring, delivery and loading area, vets’ yard and grooms building with parking for 130 vehicles Granted 27.11.2006 3.3 18/01999/FUL Erection of detached hay barn Granted 25.09.2018 3.4 18/01355/PD Erection of small shed within the grounds Granted 01.06.2018 4.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

An additional objection said the land was used for walking, children’s play and recreation, and that the proposal would prioritise horse racing over open space.

“(Additional consultations responses as follows were reported at the meeting:-”

“One additional representation has been received from a member of the public (objecting). Points raised include: • This is public open space used for many years for dog walking, playing with children & other recreation activities. Activities on the site promote community integration. • Horse racing promotes animal cruelty, and the Council shouldn’t be supporting it. We should not be losing open space to promote this sport.”

Minutes

Who spoke

A local resident and ward member spoke against the application, while the agent and applicant spoke in support.

The decision

The application was deferred for a site visit to assess the potential loss of public open space and its connection with the local community.

“A proposal was made to DEFER the determination of the application for a site visit to assess the potential loss of public open space and its connection with local community.”

“Decision: Determination of the application be DEFERRED to allow for a site visit to assess the potential loss of public open space and its connection with local community.”

Minutes