Kempton Park, home of the historic King George VI Chase, is at imminent risk of being bulldozed for housing after the government relaxed planning regulations. MPs will debate the future of British horse racing in Westminster Hall on Tuesday, focusing on the potential impact of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which accelerates development on Green Belt land.
Threat to Kempton Park
Of the 58 active British racecourses, none faces more immediate danger than Kempton. The Jockey Club, which owns the track, announced in January 2017 plans to sell the site to a housing developer. In February 2020, revised plans for about 550 houses suggested a reprieve, but the Club had secretly signed a 10-year option agreement with Redrow (now Barratt Redrow) in 2018, allowing the builder to purchase the site if planning consent is achieved.
Planning Rules Accelerate Risk
The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 streamlines approvals for sites within 15 minutes' walk of a well-connected station, applying to Kempton's historic train station. This could facilitate a development of over 2,000 homes, as indicated by Lincoln Jopp, Conservative MP for Spelthorne. Barratt Redrow denied an imminent application but may exercise its option soon, as the government aims to build 1.5 million homes by 2030.
Jockey Club Accountability
The eight stewards who approved the 2018 option included Roger Weatherby and Baroness Dido Harding. The Jockey Club, operating under a Royal Charter, has not disclosed the minutes of that meeting or the agreed price. The Club stated the option expires in 2028 and any development requires planning approval, but critics argue the secret deal effectively signed Kempton's death warrant.
Opposition and Calls for Scaled-Down Development
Local residents and racing fans remain opposed to bulldozing Kempton. The debate may renew calls for a scaled-down development preserving racing, but that depends on Barratt Redrow. MPs might also question whether a self-appointed club of 150 members should have such power over a historic venue.
