Sandown redevelopment plans dragged into uproar surrounding government minister

Redevelopment plans for Sandown by the Jockey Club have become embroiled in the political furore surrounding government minister Robert Jenrick.

The housing secretary is to decide whether the project, which includes the construction of a new six-storey 150-bedroom hotel and upgrades to racecourse infrastructure, funded by the construction of 318 residential units around the outskirts of the course, will go ahead.

However, Jenrick is at the centre of a 'cash-for-favours' planning row over his decision to approve a £1 billion development proposed by Tory donor Richard Desmond.

Opponents of the Sandown development have pointed to the links between the Jockey Club and the Conservative Party, such as board member Baroness Harding.

Commenting on the news on their website, the Esher Residents Association (ERA) said: "We hope that now the connections between the Jockey Club and prominent Conservatives are revealed, it will lead to a fair and just outcome on Sandown."

The ERA did however concede that it was "not uncommon" for a Secretary of State to make the final decision on such a significant application.

In May it was announced the Jockey Club had lodged an appeal against the decision of Elmbridge Borough Council in October to reject plans for the Sandown redevelopment.

Sandown Park: racecourse is on green belt landCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Planning officers had recommended the project should go ahead but councillors unanimously voted against the application because of the impact it would have on the green belt.

A spokesperson for Jockey Club Racecourses said on Tuesday: "We believe our application has considerable merit and offers local, social and economic benefits, as evidenced by the original recommendation for approval given by Elmbridge Council planning officers.

"We trust that whoever determines the appeal will do so based on planning considerations only."

In March Jenrick gave Lord Derby approval to go ahead with his controversial housing development plans for Hatchfield Farm in Newmarket, despite opposition from the Newmarket Horsemen's Group which includes the Jockey Club.

The Jockey Club's plans to build houses at Kempton have also so far come to nothing, with a new proposal including a scaled-down development programme that protects both racetracks at the course having been unveiled in February.

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