Clay pigeon shooting to continue despite noise level concerns

Oct 4 2012 by Jamie Bowman, Ormskirk Advertiser

MOVES to allow clay pigeon shooting to continue at a West Lancashire riding school will be discussed at a planning committee tonight.

Hesketh Bank Riding Course, on Dib Road, Hesketh Bank, have applied to retain the shooting facility at their site, despite widespread opposition from neighbours and environmental groups.

A noise assessment survey carried out by the assistant director of community services found that there were “serious concerns about the application due to its noise impact on noise- sensitive premises in the area, in particular the nearest residential premises known as Hesketh Lodge, Dib Road, Hesketh Bank.”

The report went on to say that: “The shooting will undoubtedly have an impact on the amenity of the surrounding area and the quietness of the area generally will be detrimentally affected.”

Eleven letters were received from residents complaining about the noise from the riding school, with one email stating that the shooting was “totally ruining our relaxation on beautiful sunny days in the garden.”

Natural England also made objections to the “possible impacts on the nearby designated areas” which include an RSPB nature reserve at Hesketh Out Marsh.

As a result of these objections, the riding school has agreed to restrict the times that shooting takes place to Sundays between 11am and 3pm.