The Grange, Priors Marston Planning Inquiry

A public inquiry starts on Tuesday 15 July, following an appeal by Honesberie Shooting against the refusal for development by Stratford-on-Avon District Council of The Grange, Hardwick Road, Priors Marston, Southam.

The appeal relates to a planning application for the use of land for clay target shooting ground; erection of a clubhouse and shelters, stationing of steel storage container parking and other related development.  

Stratford-on-Avon District Council refused the application at East Area Planning Committee meeting on 16 October 2007 and by decision notice on 23 October 2007 on the grounds of:

1. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the continued use of the land as a clay target shooting ground would result in unacceptable harm to the amenities of local residents and the general tranquillity of the area by reason of noise, as a result of the proposed hours, number of days and types of cartridges used.  As such, the use is in conflict with policies PR.1, PR.8, COM.16, CTY.1, CTY.4 and CTY.10 of the Local Plan Review, as well as in conflict with the Priors Marston Village Plan.  
2. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the continued use of the land as a clay target shooting ground would result in unacceptable harm to the amenities of local residents and users of the local footpath network by reason of a heightened perception of danger as a result of the noise levels generated by the use of the site.   As such, the use is in conflict with policies PR.1, PR.8, COM.16, CTY.1, CTY.4 and CTY.10 of the Local Plan Review, as well as in conflict with the Priors Marston Village Plan. 
3. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the continued use of the land as a clay target shooting ground would result in unacceptable land pollution from the amount of lead shot and debris from the clays created by the use.  As such, the use is in conflict with policy PR.8 of the Local Plan Review.

N.B. It is only the first two reasons for refusal, which will form the subject of the Inquiry.

The inquiry, expected to last for 2 days, will be held at the Council Offices, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon starting at 10am. 

A Government Planning Inspector will preside over the inquiry.   Members of the public may attend the inquiry and express their view - at the discretion of the inspector.