I’m writing to request, Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, information held by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead relating to the use of pesticides, environmental assessments, complaints, and planning or licensing arrangements connected to Ascot Racecourse. Please provide the following:
1. Pesticide and Herbicide Use
• Records of any pesticide or herbicide use reported, approved, or regulated at Ascot Racecourse or its surrounding areas (e.g. Swinley Bottom) from 1 January 2020 to the present.
• Details should include (where available): the name of the substance used, date(s) of application, application method, purpose (e.g. weed control, pest control), and the contractor or company responsible.
2. Planning and Grounds Maintenance
• Copies of any planning applications, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), or related planning documents involving Ascot Racecourse from 1 January 2015 to the present which refer to:
o Turf management or groundskeeping
o Pesticide/herbicide application
o Environmental or public health risk
• Any contracts, service agreements, or licences granted to Ascot Racecourse or third-party providers for land maintenance or chemical treatments.
3. Environmental or Health Complaints
• Any complaints, incident reports, or enquiries submitted by members of the public, council staff, or other stakeholders between 1 January 2020 and the present that relate to:
o Suspected pesticide exposure
o Chemical smells or spraying near Ascot Racecourse
o Environmental or health concerns attributed to chemical use in that area.
If any of the requested information is already available publicly, I would be grateful if you could direct me to the appropriate resource.