Membury Asphalt Plant Appeal: Arguments For and Against

Arguments for and against a proposed asphalt plant near Membury Industrial Estate were set out at a planning appeal hearing in Newbury yesterday. West Berkshire Council was joined by representatives from the racing industry, Jockey Club Estates, Lambourn Parish Council and others in making the case against the development, while the appellant and their team presented arguments in favour. Planning Inspector Lewis Conde ensured that both sides were fully heard, with a balanced exchange of views.

Opponents raised a central concern regarding the potential impact on Lambourn’s racehorse industry from emissions from the facility. The racing industry contributes an estimated £33 million annually to the local economy. Objectors stress that even the perception of risk from emissions could deter trainers and owners, undermining a nationally significant sector. Concerns were also raised about additional Heavy Goods Vehicle movements, noise, dust and disruption for local communities

The appellant contends that the site is suited to employment use, lying next to an existing industrial estate and on previously developed land. They describe the scheme as modest, capped at 25,000 tonnes per year, with the potential to reduce reliance on long-distance deliveries of asphalt. They also highlight that no evidence has shown emissions would harm horses, and that measures introduced could manage noise, dust and emissions effectively.

A decision is expected later this year.

All appeal documentation can be inspected on the Council’s website
https://www.westberks.gov.uk/planning-application-search by selecting Search Using
the application reference and entering the reference 23/02142/MINMAJ into the search box, or during working hours at the Market Street Council Offices (8.30am to 5pm Monday-Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday).
The decision will be published in due course on the Council’s website, and the
Planning Inspectorate’s website https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/