Toxic soil contamination fears over shooting range plans

An outdoor shooting range proposed for Bangor could leave a legacy of toxic lead contamination, Green Party leader Steven Agnew has warned.

The North Down MLA said the land at Ballymacormick Road - which is designated for agricultural use - could be left contaminated due to discharged bullets, resulting in pollution of the local ecosystem.

Local residents fear the land could not be used for agricultural uses in the future. The plan has received more than 600 objections.

“I have many genuine concerns about this proposed shooting range and have been working with local residents to represent them as they fight this planning application,” Mr Agnew said.

“There will undoubtedly be noise affecting the local residents in the surrounding area.  Loaded guns always pose a safety risk.

“Lead contamination in the land from the discharged bullets and subsequent pollution of the ecosystem is a real possibility.

“Effectively, we will see the industrialisation of a greenfield site and it will be costly to remove stray bullets and lead contamination will result in a toxic legacy should the gun club move on.”

Mr Agnew said Bangor is a largely urban area and what green spaces it has need to be protected.

“I find it bizarre that this gun club needs new premises given that they already have access to the recently re-vamped, at taxpayers’ expense, Council-owned indoor shooting range on Hamilton Road,” he said.

The new outdoor shooting range has been proposed for agricultural lands at Ballymacormick Road, a green field site surrounded by residential areas where adjacent land is used for recreation.

Clandeboye and District USC Rifle and Pistol Club has applied for permission for an outdoor target shooting range with club house target store and firing shelter with new access and car parking area.

Simon Wood, who lives nearby, has lodged an objection to the planning application.

“This land is clearly designated for agricultural use.  Contamination of the soil in the shooting range from misfired bullets entering the ground will contaminate the field for years to come. This, in turn, will contaminate both the food chain and groundwater,” he said.

“Lead is toxic within the bloodstream at much lower levels than previously thought and so the lead from bullets presents a real health risk.

“Ground contaminated by lead in this manner cannot be used for agriculture in the future.

“Quite frankly, I do not see any need to site the shooting range in this area and there are other more suitable locations in the vicinity.”

A spokesperson for Ards and North Down Borough Council said: “A valid application seeking full planning permission for an outdoor target shooting range with club house, target store and firing shelter at a site approximately 100 metres north east of number 78 Ballymacormick Road, Bangor was received by Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Planning Service on 5 July 2016.

"The Council’s Planning Service continues to assess the application against prevailing planning policy and in respect of responses received to date from statutory consultees and representations submitted.  

"To date, 603 letters of objection, 1 petition of objection with 39 signatures and 1 letter of support have been received.”