Cheltenham racecourse gets planning permission for £45m development

Cheltenham racecourse was on Thursday evening granted planning permission by Cheltenham Borough Council for the track's proposed £45million development project.

The Jockey Club's approved blueprint includes the creation of a new grandstand, redesigned annual members' facilities and new general public viewing areas and private boxes.

The main development is scheduled to begin immediately after the 2014 Cheltenham Festival, with a planned completion date ahead of the Festival in 2016.

Ian Renton, Cheltenham and South West regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "I am delighted that Cheltenham Borough Council has approved the application and am most grateful for the very positive support received from the local community.

"The new development will enable us to provide facilities for our racegoers in keeping with the quality of the National Hunt Racing on offer at Cheltenham and ensure that Cheltenham racecourse enhances its status as a world-class sports venue for many years to come."

During the construction period, Cheltenham will be able to continue staging its race programme as normal.