Jockey rehab centre set for approval (From Gazette & Herald)

Injured Jockeys Fund rehabilitation centre in Malton set for approval

11:34am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

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 next Tuesday. One of the £3.5 million scheme’s buildings – Jack Berry House, named after the IJF’s vice-president Jack Berry who has played a key role in fundraising for the project – would be a “centre for excellence” for riders’ fitness and rehabilitation. The facility 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 can only be allowed if it brings “economic and social benefits” and does 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.