OPPONENTS of the controversial plan for a clay pigeon shooting range on Green Belt land near Warrington must now await the result of a six day public inquiry.
The final day was taken up by a visit to the site at Prospect Farm, Rixton – home of the Prospect Target Club – by inquiry inspector Martin Joyce.
But before that, the chairman of Warrington Nature Conservation Forum, Cllr Geoff Settle made a plea for planning consent to be refused.
The inquiry was into an appeal by the club against the refusal by Warrington Borough Council to grant planning permission for the shooting range.
Plans include a clubhouse, car park, 10 timber acoustic shooting enclosures, 10 air rifle enclosures and five archery enclosures.
The inquiry was told the club could operate for 28 days a year without planning consent – and already did so.
There were in the immediate vicinity of Prospect Farm, three 28-day shoots, including Prospect Farm.
During the hearing it emerged that a new, 28-day duck shoot was starting at or near the farm.
Cllr Settle said: “How many 28-day shoots can an area take? If this application for the Clay Pigeon Club is approved then it will change from a 28-day shoot to a 156-day a year shoot because it will be operating three days a week.
“These shoots are close to two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Risley Moss and Rixton Clay Pits. In addition Rixton Moss has recently been granted the status of a Local Wildlife Site.
“The Warrington Nature Conservation Forum and local residents don’t want Rixton to be known as the shooting capital of Cheshire.
“We are trying to protect and preserve the area – not let it become a playground.”
Ten local residents opposed the appeal and there was opposition also from local councillors Bill Brinksman and Russ Bowden.
More than 350 objections were received to the scheme, plus two petitions signed by a total of 269 people.
The result of the inquiry will be made known later.
Shooting range inquiry ends
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
3 Comments
Thanks Warrington Worldwide for reporting on the Inquiry – I never realised how taxing preparing and speaking at such an event can be but at least I do get some practice at speaking. I am have a lot of admiration and huge thanks for the 10 members of the public who perhaps haven’t got that experience that I have and took the stand facing cross-examination. They were very passionate and spoke about their fears of what the club is bringing to their lives and their love of where they live. This club would have such a huge impact on their way of life and must be refused.
Good campaign Geoff, inquiries are daunting and demanding so well done and good luck. Did the Inspector indicate when he would publish his decision.
Thanks Paul, I don’t know because after I gave my speech on the last day I had to go to the Town Hall for a Climate change meeting but if it’s like Peel Hall Inquiry it will be a few weeks. As for the campaign I was only one of many and I’m so gateful to everyone who helped me with my preparation and hopefully I was able to pass on my experience and knowlege to help others. This might sound cheesy but for all those who get involved in appeals you will know what I mean..