Go-ahead urged for injured jockey centre (From Gazette & Herald)

Go-ahead urged for injured jockey centre in Malton

10:04am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Mark Stead, Political Reporter

PLANS for a multi-million-pound centre in Malton to treat injured jockeys could be given the green light next week.

Ryedale District Council planning officers have recommended approving proposals by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) to build its second rehabilitation base in the UK, and its first in the north, next to Malton and Norton Rugby Club in Old Malton Road.

A decision will be taken when the authority’s planning committee meets on Tuesday. One of the £3.5 million scheme’s buildings, Jack Berry House, would be a “centre for excellence” for riders’ fitness and rehabilitation.

It is named after the IJF’s vice-president, Jack Berry, who has played a key role in fundraising for the project. The facilities would include a gym, hydrotherapy pool, treatment rooms and respite accommodation.

In a report which will go before the committee, planning officer Shaun Robson said: “The building is to provide facilities for past and present jockeys, the local equestrian-based workforce, other sportsmen and women and those from the local community.”

He said the site was outside Malton’s “development limit”, meaning a scheme could only be allowed if it brought “economic and social benefits” and did not damage the appearance of the surrounding area, but the IJF’s plans met these criteria after other possible locations for the centre were discounted.

The report said: “Malton is the pre-eminent centre for racehorse training in the north of England and the racehorse industry is an important component of the local economy.”