Secretary of state rejects Jockey Club appeal over Sandown Park redevelopment

Development plans for Sandown racecourse have been dealt another major blow with the news that housing secretary Robert Jenrick has rejected a Jockey Club appeal against the local council's decision to block the scheme.

The project, which included 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, was unanimously rejected by Elmbridge Borough Council in October 2019 who cited its impact on the green belt.

However, the Jockey Club lodged an appeal with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government last May.

Jenrick's verdict was delivered on Tuesday in a 162-page document, in which the project was described as amounting to "inappropriate development".

The proposed hotel "would be harmful to the distinctive character and appearance of the area... and that it would remove the ability to appreciate the distinctive end profile of the grandstand, such that its role as a landmark building would be much diminished".

In dismissing the appeal and refusing planning permission the document said: "The secretary of state considers that the benefits of the scheme... would not clearly outweigh the harm to the green belt and the harm to the character and appearance of the area."

The Esher Residents Association welcomed the news, adding: "Well done to all those who put so much work into objecting to this proposal."

Ghaiyyath (left) wins the 2020 Coral-Eclipse, Sandown's flagship raceCredit: Dan Abraham

The Jockey Club can make an application to the High Court to challenge the decision and is reviewing the reasons given for the rejection of the appeal.

The Jockey Club's regional director for London Phil White voiced disappointment at the secretary of state's decision.

He added: "We truly believe that the scheme would have brought many benefits to the local community and local economy as well as enabling us to undertake essential investment at Sandown Park which, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, would have been impossible without the facilitating development included in this proposal. It would also have provided much needed housing in Elmbridge, including more than 60 affordable homes.

"However, we respect the secretary of state’s decision and will review his comments in detail.

"Sandown Park plays an important role in racing, in the local economy and the local community. We will continue to explore ways to preserve and enhance the contributions that it makes."

Read more

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Jockey Club plans to redevelop Sandown unanimously rejected by Elmbridge Council

Jockey Club Racecourses lodges planning application for Sandown redevelopment

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