PLANS for a rifle range near Eskdalemuir have sparked controversy and split opinion in the local community.
Euart Glendinning has submitted a planning application with Dumfries and Galloway Council to change the use of agricultural land at Over Cassock, around four miles north of Eskdalemuir, to form a permanent gun practice facility.
His proposal also seeks permission for a new facilities and accommodation building, hardstanding and associated works.
Council planning case officer Graham Smith has backed the rifle range bid and is recommending that councillors approve the application at next week’s planning committee.
His report states: “The development is considered to represent appropriate rural diversification at this location and officers consider that it accords, in principle, with the Development Plan.”
However, the application attracted 27 objections and 46 letters of support, with objectors including Eskdalemuir Community Council, which raised concerns over unrestricted operating hours, public safety, and a lack of a management plan to prevent the use being intensified in future.
The site has operated as a shooting range on a limited basis since 2017, using permitted development rights allowing alternative use for up to 28 days a year without planning permission.
The original application, submitted by the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association, proposed large calibre rifles with fixed targets. That has since been scaled back, with the current proposal instead covering smaller calibre weapons, temporary targets and small groups of up to four people receiving controlled training.
The report states the rifle range activities are aimed partly at supporting deer management tuition through the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Residents living closest to the site have raised concerns about noise levels, however the planning officer’s report states that the council’s environmental health team have “carefully considered any noise impact, taking their own measurements on site, and find the proposal to be acceptable.”
On the visual impact of the development, which includes replacing an existing building with a new single-storey facilities building, Smith’s report concludes the design would sit comfortably within the landscape.
Supporters of the scheme, including visitors from across the UK and abroad, argue the facility would be a valuable addition to the region, with some describing it as a “world class” facility likely to attract visitors from afar.
Others argued the development represented positive rural diversification, bringing economic benefit to the area through increased demand for local hospitality and services.
Officers have recommended a series of conditions be attached to any approval, including a requirement for a full operational plan detailing operating hours, weapon calibres and public warning measures, along with restrictions preventing the accommodation building being used as a permanent residence.
Councillors will make a decision on the application at the planning committee on Wednesday, September 30.
