Plans for a brand new indoor archery centre in Burnham-On-Sea have been unveiled this week.
Burnham-On-Sea Company of Archers has submitted plans to build the modern new building at the town’s BASC sports ground, off Stoddens Road.
If approved by local councils, the indoor archery centre would be built at the site of the existing outdoor archery range.
“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,” says a spokesperson.
“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 would provide a shooting hall only, relying on the existing BASC Clubhouse to provide changing, toilet and common room facilities.”
“The building would be located adjacent to the current outdoor shooting line, thus meaning the archers have identical access to those 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,” adds 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 would 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.
Russell Pike, BASC Chairman, has given the BASC Committee’s support to the plans. “We give our full backing for the Burnham Company of Archers’ application to place an indoor shooting range at the west end of the field,” he says.
“BASC always tries to support its founder member clubs in their efforts to improve their facilities. In this case, an indoor range will provide additional facilities for the community, allowing more people to take up the sport of archery and therefore participate in sport in year round.”
Comments on the scheme are welcome to Sedgemoor District Council until March 2nd.
