PLANS to develop a futuristic laser shooting centre at Inwardleigh were rejected by West Devon's planning committee in Tavistock on Tuesday — despite officers' recommendation that approval should be granted.
An enforcement order will now be served requiring the Grange Equestrian Centre to remove shooting towers and associated structures which the committee considered visually intrusive.
The centre has already been refused planning permission to carry out clay pigeon shooting at the site due to noise levels and intrusion of the clubhouse building and towers in the countryside.
Michael Swinton, agent for The Grange, told councillors noise was not an issue with laser shooting, as the sound of the shot was only heard within headphones used by the shooter.
'You have to take a balanced view,' he told the committee.
'I accept the tower is not a pleasant structure but there are other advantages in having this type of facility.
'Shooting is very popular, it is a growing sport and I think the laser thing is very new and certainly overcomes the principle objections to shooting,' he said.
Cllr Sonia Lindsay said the facility would be 'very beneficial' to the area. And Cllr Noel Cartwright said given time the towers and structures would not seem intrusive.
But Paul Coles of Inwardleigh, said residents were worried about the influx of traffic to the area, the level of debris associated with clay targets and foil-covered laser targets.
'Whilst we are not objecting to the specified airgun and laser shooting projects, we are concerned about the retention of structures and components, especially the two lattice towers designed for shotgun shooting,' he said.
'Only complete removal of this shotgun infrastructure will ensure regulation of shooting activities at The Grange.'
Cllr Dilwyn Hughes claimed the shooting centre was an 'absolute eyesore in the countryside' and activity there would disturb wildlife.
The committee agreed to refuse permission for the venture after an earlier motion to give consent failed.
The enforcement order regarding the shooting structures must be complied with within three months — but is subject to appeal.