Racehorse training facilities at Frenchmans View, Upper Lambourn, Hungerford

What was proposed

The application proposed 40 horse boxes, training and storage facilities, a racing office, day facilities and a two-bed staff cottage.

“Construction of additional training facilities to include 40 boxes, horse walker, storage barn, water treadmill barn, collecting ring, tack room/day facilities, racing office and a two bed staff cottage with ancillary works. Frenchmans View Upper Lambourn Hungerford RG17 8QW Ed Walker Racing 1 Extension of time agreed with applicant until 23/01/2026”

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 21 st January 2026 1. Introduction 1.1 The purpose of this report is for the Committee to consider the proposed development against the policies of the development plan and the relevant material considerations, and to make a decision as to whether to approve or refuse the application.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The existing training yard lies in open countryside within the National Landscape, near homes, stables, a conservation area and listed buildings.

“To the North and North- West of the site is fenced paddocks enclosed by a strong hedge boundary. Further West is open countryside which is in close proximity to existing open gallops. Access to the site is gained from the B4000 along a small access track. Surrounding the site is a mixture of Horse stables and domestic dwellings to the south. The site is in open countryside in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.”

“The Water treadmill will be located to the east of the existing stables. All the proposed development will be within the existing hedge line area of the existing Frenchmans View yard to the West and does not extend further into open countryside. The existing hostel shown on the application plans on site will remain unchanged. Planning History 2.1 The table below outlines the relevant planning history of the application site.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, ecology, flood, conservation and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while Natural England required mitigation.

“Given that the proposed facility is for the stabling and training of racehorses and the type and amount of equipment likely to be required for the facility, the security of the site needs to be carefully considered. A condition is recommended for an Access and Security Strategy. WBC Tree Officer: No objection subject to conditions. WBC Archaeology Officer: No objections subject to conditions. WBC Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA): No objections subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and agent addressed the committee, followed by the ward member, while the highway officer explained access and traffic matters.

The vote

Members voted on a proposal to accept the officer recommendation and grant planning permission subject to the listed conditions.

“The existing staff accommodation would be retained, and the application would include additional staff accommodation. Debate 10. Councillor Adrian Abbs opened the debate by noting that it was a positive proposal for employment in the area. He believed there were plenty of valid reasons to object the proposal, however, these were overridden by the positives of the application. He indicated that he was in favour of the application. 11.”

“This was seconded by Councillor Paul Dick 15. The Chairman invited Members of the Committee to vote on the proposal by Councillor Adrian Abbs, seconded by Councillor Paul Dick to grant planning permission. At the vote the motion was carried. RESOLVED that the Development Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the following conditions: Conditions 1.”

Minutes