Gosden warns Hatchfield plan threatens status of Newmarket as top racing centre

John Gosden has warned Newmarket would lose its status as a world-leading training facility and fall into decline should the controversial Hatchfield Farm site ever be approved.

The champion trainer cited the impact urbanisation had on Epsom, Lewes and Maisons-Laffitte in a passionate plea for the town's status as the birthplace of the sport to be protected.

Speaking at the West Suffolk Council offices in Mildenhall during week three of the inquiry into the controversial proposals, Gosden said: "The increasing threat of urbanisation will inevitably damage Newmarket's ability to function as a world leader in horseracing.

"Racing centre demises and closures, such as those at Epsom and Lewes, could well be heading Newmarket's way. At one time there were many yards on the South Downs, but now there is just one and the selling off of land at Epsom has left that a tenth of its original size.

"Looking abroad, even Maisons-Laffitte, which is Newmarket's twin town, is to close."

The Hatchfield Farm proposals have been a topic of hot debate in Newmarket since they were first mooted over ten years ago and Lord Derby's current scheme involves 400 houses and five hectares of provision for industry.

The plans have long been opposed by the Horsemen's Group as well as many local residents and businesses, mainly on account of the increased traffic levels that it would cause.

John Gosden (right) speaks at the enquiry with planning inspector Richard Schofield (left)

Gosden added: "Our problem is that we are now so crammed that I have to leave my yard well ahead of the horses just to be able to get to the gallops in time to see them, such are the traffic levels already."

The inquiry, which is being held by the planning inspectorate and overseen by inspector Richard Schofield, is being held four years after the previous one and was called by current Housing, Communities and Local Government secretary James Brokenshire.

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