PLANS for a new horse racing gallops track on farmland in West Berkshire look set to be refused – as trees have already been chopped down.

The Forestry Commission has stepped in with a restocking notice requiring restoration of the Lambourn land to what it was before felling.

Retrospective proposals have been put forward for the 6m-wide wood chip track at New Barn Farm on Wantage Road.

But officers are being asked to refuse the plan because of the impact on the character and appearance of the area and setting of the site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the significant amount of felling which has taken place in order to accommodate the straight gallop desired by the applicant.

The matter goes before West Berkshire Council’s western area planning committee on Wednesday, with both objections and support of the proposal lodged with the council.

Some object to the unlicensed felling of trees and the impact on wildlife, while others say the track would contribute to the local economy.

The report to the committee says the proposed 6m-wide gallop, 3m access track, two gallop circles, collecting ring and other horse tracks would result in the total removal of a significant quantity of woodland vegetation, resulting in a direct adverse landscape impact.

“The proposed section of gallop and access track also requires remodelling of the subtle contours of the chalk downland landform to create a flat surface, with embankments and cuttings,” it says.

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“This will also affect the roots of adjacent retained trees, which will then affect their longevity within Lynch Wood.”

The council tree officer stated that the proposal has resulted in an unacceptable threat to the sustainability of trees within the woodland that contributes to the landscape character of the area within the AONB, and that the damage that has already occurred would lead to further decline and pressure on the woodland, which is unacceptable.