An historic racing stable has had a large scale make-over thanks to a wealthy Epsom businessman.

The Durdans stable, which was bought by marketing consultant Phillip Buckman two years ago, has now got a set of brand new stables to accommodate over 40 horses and a car park in addition to refurbishing its historic buildings.

Mr Buckman who owns PSB Consultancy has a 125 year lease on the equine complex, which would have been turned into homes and offices had councillors not rejected a planning application from Lord Halifax last year.

The businessman, who runs the company alongside his two daughters Vanessa and Helen, paid for the building works out of his own pocket.

He would not say how much money he had to spend, but last year the refurbishment was estimated to cost £600,000.

Mr Buckman said he was delighted with the work which seamlessly combines new architecture with 130-year-old buildings.

He said: “The work only took about four months to finish which was a fantastic achievement.

“We now have 26 race horses and 17 livery horses - which is really good as the stables are now full.

“It’s great news - we just want some rain now to get the grass looking nice and green.”

Mr Buckman said he decided to invest in The Durdans partly because he wanted to restore the historic site after it was subject to a planning proposal by owner Lord Halifax to build four terraced cottages on the site.

The decision, which received a majority vote at a planning meeting in December last year, was welcomed by Epsom Equestrian Conservation Group leader Caroline Baldock and MP Chris Grayling.

The Durdans was designed by George Devey for Prime Minister Lord Rosebery in 1881 and is the oldest racing yard standing in Epsom. Lord Rosebery was a well-known horse breeder and racehorse owner.

The stables have been described as being the “finest in the country” in The Victorian Dictionary, compiled by Lee Jackson.