The Government planning inspectorate has requested additional information from the developer behind an asphalt plant near Membury services.
The Government planning inspectorate has asked the developer behind an asphalt plant near Membury services for extra information after the appeal introduced new evidence. The inspector has invited further representations limited to issues arising from the environmental screening request.
West Berkshire Council refused planning for the plant last year after heavy lobbying from the Lambourn racing industry, which argued pollution would affect horse training and the district’s £22m equine economy.
At the planning meeting Putnham Property partner Mark Drake said: "If you’re not a millionaire horse trainer you won’t get any support from either the parish or district councillor."
The applicant is appealing, arguing the ‘perception being a reality’ idea — that the plant ‘might’ damage horse health and scare off trainers — is not a valid reason to refuse planning.
Objectors from Lambourn warned even a 'whiff' of poor air could harm racehorses’ respiratory health and performance at the top level.
Mr Drake also said: "There is a concerning lack of support for construction workers in the valley by the parish council and local councillor, even though there are a large amount of construction workers in and around their area already and a large number of indirect employment would be available if the plant was to go ahead," said Mr Drake.
“If certain trainers were that concerned about dust particles affecting their horses then why run them on sand tracks and gallops regularly?
“There is no evidence to suggest an asphalt plant could affect a horse’s respiratory system.
“As a racehorse owner and someone with a love for horses in general I find the scenario hypocritical.”
Council officers said there was no evidence asphalt production would be harmful to horses and suggested M4 traffic would have a greater impact on air quality. They also admitted there are no air quality standards for animals — only for humans.
The deadline for submission of any representations is 5pm on Friday, January 23.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
