PLANS to build a bronze war horse on a central Ascot roundabout will be decided at the end of the month - almost three years after initial plans first emerged.

The commemorative statue would be built on a two-metre high Portland stone plinth on the roundabout opposite Heatherwood Hospital, on the junctions with London Road, High Street, Windsor Road and Kings Ride, to mark the eight million horses killed in the First World War.

Horses were used to transport ammunition and supplies to the front and many died, not only from the horrors of shellfire but also in terrible weather and appalling conditions.

The ambitious project has been spearheaded by philanthropist Alan Carr from the War Horse Memorial Project and special equine sculptor Susan Leyland, in partnership with the Royal Borough.

Though the artwork would sit within the Green Belt, 'very special circumstances' have been cited to help ensure the grand plans become a reality - and help generate funds for equine and military charities.

A statement accessible on the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's planning portal states: " his piece of public art would be sited in a gateway location to Ascot; this town is an important destination for visitors given that it is home to Ascot Racecourse. This site provides the best location that will help define Ascot which is known world wide for its association with horses.

"Susan Leyland’s sculptures are unique pieces. Each takes about a month of painstaking work to make, evolving from the initial basic form to culminating in the final surface finish. The work would be of high quality."

The site was subject to a prior planning application in 2014 for a fountain with jets and lights which was withdrawn in January 2015.

Concerns were raised over the location of a water feature on the busy roundabout and a lobby of residents and parish councillors against the fountain saw the plan shelved by the Royal Borough.

A spokesman for the Royal Borough said: "The application for a War Horse Memorial in Ascot will be decided on by councillors at a full council meeting on 30 March."