Harry Derham racehorse training centre approved for Boxford by West Berkshire Council

Plans for a new racehorse training centre near Boxford have been approved.

The proposal for trainer Harry Derham at Ownham Farm asks for the land use to change from agricultural to equine use.

The developer wants to put new entrance gates on the property, as well as to refurb existing former farm buildings, demolish the existing hay barn, and construct a new stable building, horse walker and lunge pen.

The proposal will convert three existing barns to facilitate new offices, reception, owners’ room, lads’ rooms, colour room, tack room, vets' stable area, feed store, rug room and five separated horse stables.

The Jockey Club has been consulted on the plans, and has said that it would support the proposal on the basis of creating training facilities to help strengthen and sustain the wider racing and racehorse training industry in the Lambourn Valley.

In addition, Newbury Racecourse is likely to benefit from the proposed development as horses trained at the facility are likely to enter competitions there.