Newbury Racecourse plan for 700 homes approved despite objections

Plans to build more than 700 homes at Newbury Racecourse have been approved, despite objections from residents.

Developers already have outline planning permission, but residents said some of the houses and apartment blocks were too tall for the area.

Councillor Hilary Cole said: "I understand residents' concerns but I don't believe the impact will be as severe as the residents fear."

The approved plans also include retail and community facilities.

The objections related to the development on the eastern side of the racecourse.

Developers David Wilson Homes received outline permission for a total of 1,500 homes in 2010.

Construction on about half those homes on the western side of the racecourse is nearing completion.

Residents sent 21 letters of objection to the eastern development, citing the "inappropriate" height of the buildings in relation to their homes, as well as parking and noise pollution issues.

Ms Cole said: "The apartments will abut the racecourse buildings... and of course the grandstand is much, much taller than these apartment blocks.

"[These residents] have lived in splendid isolation, where they are down a track at the eastern end, for a number of years and it will be a change, and people don't like change."

The development's project manager Daniel Pavely said: "These plans for the final phase at Newbury Racecourse follow a year of local consultation and we now look forward to building on the success of the homes we have already created".

The plans have been approved subject to the approval of an amended highways plan.