Blyth: Go ahead given for clay shooting range

Bassetlaw Council’s planning committee gave the green light to the proposals last week, for the field off Whitewater Lane, close to Bawtry Lane.

The application, to convert the farmland for a change of use, comes following the closure of a shooting club at a former army base in Ollerton.

Councillors heard that the club could create up to five new full-time jobs and 15 part-time jobs.

Neighbouring residents and parish councils raised several objections to the plans.

They were concerned about its close proximity to a football field, the noise it could create, the walkers who use the paths close to the site, and the nearby businesses.

Councillors heard that the nearest property was around 650 metres away and that all shooting would take place towards the north.

The committee were told that although the club could operate Monday to Friday from 9.30am-5.30pm and weekends 10am-4pm, with extended hours on Tuesday and Friday during the summer, shooting would be restricted. On weekdays there would be a cumulative shooting period of four hours and three hours at weekends.

Councillors voted in favour of granting permission.

Further planning applications will have to be submitted if any engineering or building work is to be carried out.