Establishment of Sports Shooting Goods Shop

Town Planning Services for a Sports Shooting Goods Shop

Client: Firearms and Sports Shooting Club

Service Provided: Town Planning

Project Summary

Technia Environment and Planning Limited was approached by an existing client whom we had previously provided town planning services for. The client sought to open a new sports shooting goods shop within an existing industrial unit, having outgrown their former premises and aiming to relocate to a more central and accessible location.

We prepared and submitted a full planning application and given the potentially contentious nature of the proposal, supplied additional supporting information detailing safety and access of the unit. The application was granted planning consent under delegated powers.

Our Approach

From the outset, we led a coordinated strategy to ensure the development met both planning and environmental regulatory requirements. Our involvement included:

• Conducting a detailed site appraisal to assess suitability and identify constraints;
• Reviewing relevant planning history to identify the planning baseline of the site and any nearby environmental designations;
• Preparation of a necessary documents to support the planning application;
• Liaison with Firearms Specialist in relation to safety measures and requirements; and
• Liaison with Planning Officer.

Key Challenges & Solutions

1. Planning Policy Constraints for Retail Development and Site Location

   Challenge:

   Under local planning policy relating to retail development outside of designated town centres, the planning department requested further justification as to why the proposed unit could not be located within the town centre.

   Solution:

   Technia Environment and Planning Limited provided a response to the planning department, highlighting the specialised nature of the business, that caters to professional and licensed customers, whom visit the site with clear intent, not relying on footfall of high visibility. Additionally, a Retail Test was undertaken looking at the suitability of existing vacant units located within the town centre and identified that due to the safety requirements of the shop, none were suitable. This was agreed by the assigned planning officer.

Outcome

After due consideration of the planning and technical information, the Local Authority was satisfied that the development would not result in any unacceptable impacts on the amenity of nearby businesses, residents or the local environment. Planning consent was granted under delegated powers.

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