Ayr Racecourse has received permission to make alterations and build an extension to its weighing room and jockeys' facilities. The plans were approved under delegated powers by South Ayrshire Council, following a planning application submitted by racecourse bosses.
Proposals to meet regulatory requirements
LMA Architects acted as agents for the proposals. Their design and access statement said the plans were designed to satisfy the current requirements and recommendations of The British Horseracing Authority, the sport's regulatory body.
The supporting statement said: “The facility houses medical and physiotherapy facilities to support rider safety, pre-race fitness checks, and immediate emergency response by specialised medical staff. Both male and female changing facilities, showers, toilets etc are provided, along with a rest area and servery.”
Details of the approved works
The proposals involve internal alterations and the formation of a new single storey extension. Plans show storage areas, separate male and female changing facilities, showers and W/Cs, disabled and visitor W/Cs, along with separate under-18 male and female changing areas.
In approving the plan, with conditions, council papers read: “The proposed extension is operationally linked to the continued use and functioning of Ayr Racecourse and is intended to improve the quality and capacity of facilities available to jockeys. The proposed development does not alter the principal use of the site and represents a modest extension of existing infrastructure within the established racecourse complex.”
Impact on the racecourse
Council papers added: “The proposal would support the continued operation and enhancement of facilities at Ayr Racecourse.”
