Earlier this month, The Jockey Club and housebuilder Redrow revealed plans to convert Kempton Park’s estate into a site with the potential to support around 3,000 new homes.

However, as of 24th January, nearly 1,900 racing fans have signed a petition calling for the historic track to remain open.

The petition – launched by Heather Saggers from Hertfordshire – read: “This is outrageous.

“The Jockey Club [is] putting aside 139 years of history and want to bulldoze through it.

“Racing fans around the world want to put a stop to this!”

Heather claimed that the area around Kempton Park may not be ready for any additional homes or residents. 

She added: “There isn't the infrastructure to support these extra homes, and the roads are already congested.”

On a website outlining the proposals, housebuilder Redrow stated: “Although we are acutely aware of the sensitivities surrounding this site, we hope that this latest development may be seen as an opportunity for Spelthorne to provide a substantial element of its residual housing need on one site, which includes brownfield land and allows for the retention of a significant area of the green belt in this location.

“The increase in unit numbers will make a significant contribution towards meeting the local housing need, delivering around four years of the borough’s housing need on one site and supporting the local community in this respect.

“In addition to housing, the site could deliver significant improvements to the local road network, particularly at Sunbury Cross and has the potential to deliver a new school, health facilities, shops and other community facilities.

“Redrow [wishes] to make it absolutely clear that it is not suggesting that the entire site is built on and this move could allow for the retention of a significant area of green belt, alongside the provision of other publically accessible on-site open space.”

The Jockey Club claimed the development could generate more than £100m for investment in British racing, if it goes ahead. 

The Jockey Club also revealed that it would be investing into Sandown Park, and in a new floodlit, all-weather racecourse. 

Any changes at Kempton Park are conditional on a successful planning process and, if approved, racing at the site is expected to continue until at least 2021.