Swindon Town owner Lee Power has been given the go-ahead to build a racehorse training facility.

He had put in two linked applications to construct a new training base for the football club at the disused Twelve Oaks Golf Club on the edge of Highworth and an extensive facility for racehorses.

The now-approved plan will see 10 hectares on the western side of the course used for an all-weather gallop, 20 stables, a large American barn with 20 looseboxes as well as a lungeing pit, tackrooms and accommodation for stablehands.

Mr Power said he would train his own horses there.

The trainer at the yard would be Sean Curran, who, he said, would be able to build on his burgeoning success.

He said: “A championship trainer can only complement the environment, becoming an asset to the current equestrian community.”

The borough council’s planning committee has already approved the football complex but was concerned by a letter sent in by the owners of Crouch Farm, a smaller livery business on land next to the site.

They said they were worried about galloping horses spooking their animals walking on a path between the two.

The gallops run along the western and northern edge of the site where it comes close to Crouch Farm.

Members told the council’s director of planning to approve the plan if suitable conditions could be agreed. They have now been settled.

Planners have given permission for the development as long as the gallop is only used between 7am and 12.30pm. The owner must put up signs warning riders on the land next door about its use.

Mr Power said the new development would contribute to footfall in Highworth.

And he said there would be recruitment of staff of one stablehand to every four racehorses, as well as a caretaker.

He added the site would bring investment into local farmers through the buying and disposing of straw and manure. The yard would use local feed businesses, farriers, hardware suppliers and vets.

As well as the football training centre and racing yard, Mr Power has applied to build 18 homes to the south of the site. That application is due to be discussed by members of the borough council’s planning committee this evening starting at 6pm.