Appeal planned over asphalt plant decision

An appeal against a decision to not allow the building of an asphalt plant is going to be lodged.

West Berkshire Councillors voted down the plan for the path near Membury Services because of fears it could damage the Lambourn racehorse industry.

Mark Drake, a partner in Putnam Properties Ltd, behind the scheme, accused the council of "hypocrisy" and said the council only offered support to "millionaire horse trainers".

West Berkshire Council said the development was at odds with some of its core policies, which included encouraging active travel and supporting the racehorse industry.

Objectors from Lambourn training yards said the lifeblood of the industry, which brings in £22m a year to the district, would be threatened even by a "whiff" of poor air quality affecting the respiratory health and performance of top level racehorses.

Mr Drake said there was "no evidence" an asphalt plant could affect a horse's respiratory system - and council officers agreed, claiming the M4 traffic would have a greater impact on air quality.

But the planning committee went against them and voted it down.

In the decision notice, the council said the the asphalt plant would have been in an "unsustainable location" with a lack of active travel or public transport options, meaning it would be against some of the council's core aims relating to sustainable travel and tackling climate change.

The council also said there was "insufficient" evidence demonstrating the proposal would not negatively affect horse health, and even this perceived harm could affect the industry.

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