TOBY Balding has renewed optimism over his cherished hopes into moving into a state of the art training centre near his present set up.

Weyhill-based Balding had plans to redevelop his long-established yard but they were dramatically thwarted by the local planning committee in May.

He is desperate to move away from his current stable which has limited training requirements and move nearer his gallops.

The scheme would have meant the demolition of the stables and office and replacing them with more than a dozen houses and a garage.

The plan had been well received by the local planning officer but his recommendation for acceptance was rejected at a meeting of the planning committee, leaving Balding frustrated.

But he has been having further meetings with planners and trying to win over objectors.

He said last night: "Things are going well and we are optimistic. Hopefully we will be able to re-submit plans within a month and we are given reasons they will be looked upon favourably. We are getting a lot of councillors' support."

If Balding is given the go-ahead, he hopes to have the new yard up and running in the spring.

l Balding will be preparing Silver Charter for the Grand Lodge at the Ascot festival next month.

The two-year-old, held in high regard by the yard who acquired him through the Tattersalls breeze-up sales, made a winning debut at Kempton last month.

A slight setback wrecked hopes of running in the Shergar meeting at Ascot tomorrow. Instead he will go for a race at Sandown on Sunday week and will then be prepared for the valuable one mile Grand Lodge.

Balding said: "This is a really nice horse."