COUNTY planners have rejected a scheme for a laser clay pigeon shooting area on a farm near Hereford.

Gamber Logistics wanted retrospective permission to keep the existing area currently used for laser clay shooting at New House Farm on Grafton Lane.

The plans included keeping the small lodge and viewing area, which replaced a portable cabin which was previously used on site.

Sandy Sharp speaking on behalf of Callow and Haywood parish council called on Herefordshire Council's planning and regulatory committee to reject the scheme.

"Taken in isolation, this application for laser clays would seem acceptable if it were to be run solely in conjunction with the historic Christmas tree cottage industry.

"However, since 2018, Gamber Logistics has all but ignored conditions imposed and has diversified in multiple non-administrative areas including agricultural cleaning in hundreds of farms, managing Tyrrells potato deliveries from several sites, selling litter, logs, clays, doing plant repairs and storage, as well as running a camping and caravan site."

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Gamber Logistics managing director Patrick Lewis said the idea behind setting up the laser clay shooting was to diversify the business and create employment.

"Our site was purchased just over two years ago and has an existing Christmas tree enterprise which is very seasonal and did not justify a full time member of staff.

"Therefore, we were looking at ways to both utilise the site and staff throughout the year which the laser shooting has achieved.

"When the laser shoot is being used a huge benefit to the area is the equipment makes little if any noise."

Councillor Tony Johnson proposed rejecting the scheme.

"This company appears to have operated on the principle that it is always easier to get forgiveness than permission.

"I can see no reason to suppose that this particular leopard will change its spots in future."

The planning committee rejected the scheme by 12 votes with one abstention.