Revised Development Strategy

Object

Representation ID: 55456

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Jockey Club Racecourses

Agent: Barton Wilmore

Warwick Racecourse is an important leisure and recreational facility within the Borough and should be the subject of a site specific policy within the Local Plan.

Seeking a policy within the New Local Plan which would give favourable consideration for the improvement of facilities at the racecourse. Such a policy would provide a higher degree of certainty for future investment decisions at the racecourse.

The racecourse should be the subject of a policy which specifically relates to the use of the site and which recognises the role of the racecourse and its facilities to the Borough and to aid the ability for the racecourse to refurbish and develop itself to protect its long term operation as an important sporting venue without compromising the nature and character of the borough or its Conservation Area setting.

This would:

* enable development within the racecourse to make it easier to progress redevelopment proposals should they arise during the plan period.

* recognises the role of Warwick Racecourse within the Borough, and the need to support ancillary activities to assist the racecourse in providing an attractive and viable visitor destination in order to ensure the future viability of the racecourse.

Additionally it is considered that specific reference should be made to the suitability of alternative locations within these towns, such as the racecourse, in accommodating such development proposals.

Warwick Racecourse provides the ideal opportunity to accommodate further development being an existing tourism and leisure destination. Its location in close proximity to the town centre means that enhancement of the racecourse will have other spin off benefits for the town with additional income generated.

It is important that flexibility is built into the development framework to cater for changing circumstances during the plan period to ensure the future vitality and viability of the racecourse.

Warwick Racecourse will need to diversify or consolidate the racecourse functions during the plan period in order to remain financially viable. Other racecourses including Epsom Downs and Sandown Park are experiencing a similar situation and have had to consider diversification options.

Carlisle and Market Rasen Racecourses provide two examples of local planning authorities supporting racecourses within their administrative boundaries by means of site specific policies as reproduced in the enclosure.

Sets out suggested wording and justification for such a policy.