Asphalt plant refused over racehorse health fears

Councillors have rejected plans for an asphalt plant in Berkshire over fears for the horseracing industry.

Developers were proposing to produce up to 25,000 tonnes a year of the material at a site near Membury Services on the M4.

However, West Berkshire Council members voted against the advice of planning officers after a two-and-a-half-hour debate on Wednesday.

Lambourn Trainers Association told the packed meeting racehorses would be vulnerable to air pollution from the site.

Lucy Snowden, the wife of trainer Jamie Snowden, said: "Our industry contributed over £22m per year and is responsible for one in three jobs in the area. 850 horses trained here.

"Our reputation is everything and a threat to respiratory health could lead to trainers withdrawing from the area."

Lambourn parish councillor Bridget Jones said: "This represents a serious threat.

"This is the Valley of the Racehorse and has 50 yards employing 750 people, plus all the support services. [It] contributes millions of pounds a year to the area."

However, council officers, who had recommended approval, argued there was no evidence to say asphalt production would be harmful to horses.

They said the motorway traffic would have a greater impact on air quality.

Keith Fryer, a builders merchant based at Membury, said the proposal would "support the construction industry".

The council recorded 223 public objections to the scheme as well as 177 voices in support.

Speaking after the meeting, committee chairman Phil Barnett said: "Obviously members were influenced by the perceived effect on superior racehorses of particulates and vapour."

He said uncertainty over the effect on traffic was another reason for refusal.

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