Plans for a new £50,000 indoor archery centre in Burnham-On-Sea have this week been given the go-ahead.
Members of the Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee considered the revised scheme from the Burnham-On-Sea Company of Archers at a meeting on Wednesday (May 16th).
The plans have been updated following concerns from several residents living next to the BASC Ground about possible noise.
The planned new archery centre has been re-located to the eastern end of the archery field, away from nearby homes.
Cllr Andy Brewer said: “As a council, we objected to the original planning application earlier in the year – specifically because of the building’s location, which would have been too close to nearby properties.”
“We suggested to the applicant that they consider a new location and I’m glad they have listened and come back with a revised proposal.”
Cllr Martin Cox told the meeting: “This is a much better proposal – a far more sensible location.”
Cllr John Parkes added: “It’s good to see the applicant and Sedgemoor have listened to the comments from the public.”
Cllr Peter Clayton proposed that the application be supported by the Town Council on the grounds that it is “creating an additional sports amenity.”
Councillors unanimously accepted the proposal and the plans were approved, subject to a final decision by Sedgemoor District Council.
A spokesman for the Burnham-On-Sea Company of Archers told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The proposed Indoor Archery Centre would consist of a single hall to augment the Club’s existing outdoor shooting range, for use particularly during the winter months.”
“The layout is intended to accommodate the Indoor Centre on the site without interfering with the existing outdoor archery range, pictured, which would continue to be the focus of summer activities.”
“To minimise the size of the proposed development, the building will provide a shooting hall only, relying on the existing BASC Clubhouse to provide changing, toilet and common room facilities.”
“During the winter months the Club’s indoor shooting facility at present is provided by renting sessions at Burnham-On-Sea Rifle club in Cassis Close. The size of the Rifle Range is barely adequate for archery,” added the spokesperson.
The Club currently has 51 active shooting members, mostly from Burnham-On-Sea and the surrounding area. Of those, seven are Juniors below the age of 18, and 24 are retired or above the age of 50. The Club caters for all abilities.
“The Club has a substantial waiting list of up to a year for people wanting to take up archery and join the Club. The long delay occurs because the inadequate winter indoor facilities restrict the number of beginners that can be accommodated, and new members can join only if they have completed a recognised beginners course.”
“The indoor centre will remove this restriction, allowing the Club to increase its membership, and improving the quality of experience for existing members.”
The plans show the building would be 8.55m wide and 33.3m long with the 8.55m width sufficient to accommodate five target bosses, while the length of the hall would allow shooting at the main indoor competitive distance of 25m, with regulation clearances being maintained.
