A NEW Welsh headquarters for The Kennel Club could come to Monmouthshire as early as next year if major plans for Chepstow Racecourse are given the go ahead.

A new conference centre, which would provide capacity for up to 2,000 people on race days, would be built on the racecourse’s North Stand in a major joint venture.

The Kennel Club plan to use it as a base and for dog shows and training exhibitions.

The partners hope work could start this autumn and be complete by summer 2017 if Monmouthshire council gives its approval. Plans will be submitted to the authority within weeks.

Chepstow Racecourse’s executive director Phil Bell said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Kennel Club to provide an exciting multi-purpose facility for the region. As an integral part of the local community we are really pleased to be making this application to provide a large indoor space for use by both those taking part in Kennel Club events and the racecourse. The racecourse already hosts a significant number of events on non-racing days and this facility means we will be able to extend this side of our business.”

None of the work will impact on any of the racecourse's current race programme.

The Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: “The Kennel Club wanted to create a new facility that would be in a suitable location for dog owners throughout the country, as well as offering the organisation flexibility over how it was used. We believe the plans we have developed in partnership with Chepstow Racecourse will achieve both of these things and we look forward to Monmouthshire council considering the proposals.”

And the Welsh Kennel Club Secretary Graham Hill said: “This facility located in Chepstow provides a much needed canine venue for South and Mid Wales and the West Country and further afield. The new building together with the other facilities available at Chepstow Racecourse make it a convenient venue for all types of canine activities. It is located with easy motorway access from all areas.”