Owners of paintball site launch appeal against planning conditions

Temporary planning permission for paintballing games at Harts Hill Copse, Upper Bucklebury, was first granted in 1994, but planning permission expired in 1999.
Despite a lack of planning permission, the site continued to be used for paintballing games.
In June, the owners of the site, a company called Hotshots, run by Lisa Whelan, was finally granted planning permission by West Berkshire Council for paintball games on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but only for a two year trial.
Hotshots has now appealed to the Secretary of State to have the limited planning permission made indefinite.
In Hotshots’ planning appeal statement, which was produced by environmental consultants, Ironside Farrar, the company states: “The planning application for the paintball facility was first lodged with the council in April 2011 and finally determined and granted planning consent in June 2012. This fourteen month determination period has provided the council with an extended period of time to address, resolve and condition any outstanding issues raised by consultees, objectors, local residents and local members.
“As a result there is no need or requirement for a further trial period of two years to determine the overall acceptability of the proposal.”
Hotshots has previously confirmed that major UK paintballing firm, Bedlam, is interested in buying the West Berkshire site and is already promoting it on its website.
Anyone wishing to comment on the planning application, which has received 46 letters of objection and 14 letters of support, should contact the Planning Inspectorate, Bristol, BS1 6PN, or visit www.planningportal.gov.uk by December 31.