Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly

Construction of bunds to provide safety improvements, firing point and target area upgrades for existing shooting range, construction of short target range and target sprint track, and related works

Design and Access Statement Doc. Ref: 11062 DAS v1.0

Pro Shoot Shooting Club Rhoswen House Sunnybank Road Blackwood Caerphilly NP12 1HT

21st July 2020

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

Document Revision Cover Photograph: Partially repaired backstop along the southern face of the existing linear tips (left of field) and new safety berm between the backstop and existing conical tips (right of field). Date of Checked photograph 29th July 2020. Version Date Author / App’d Revision DRAFT 25/07/20 SCW BL DRAFT FOR APPROVAL 1.0 21/08/20 SCW BL ISSUED

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 2 6 Planning Policy Context ...... 11 1.1 Background and Context ...... 2 6.1 Planning Policy ...... 11 1.2 Location ...... 2 6.1.1 National Planning policy ...... 11 6.1.2 Local Planning Policy ...... 11 1.3 Existing Use ...... 2 6.2 Well‐being of Future Generations Act (2015) ...... 11 1.4 Proposed Use ...... 2 1.5 Type of Application ...... 3 7 The Proposal ...... 13 1.6 Purpose ...... 3 7.1 General Description ...... 13 7.2 Scale ...... 13 2 The Brief and Vision ...... 4 7.3 Layout and Construction Works ...... 13 2.1 Vision ...... 4 7.3.1 Rifle Target Shooting Range ...... 13 2.2 Brief ...... 4 7.3.2 Short Target Shooting Range ...... 14 2.3 Achieving the Brief ...... 4 7.3.3 Target Sprint Area ...... 14 7.3.4 Field Archery Area ...... 14 3 The Site and Its Context ...... 5 7.3.5 Associated Works ...... 14 3.1 Site Location ...... 5 7.3.6 Landscaping ...... 15 3.2 Site Description...... 5 7.3.7 Boundary Finishes...... 15 7.3.8 Lighting ...... 15 3.3 Surrounding Land Uses ...... 5 7.3.9 CCTV ...... 15 3.4 Residential Properties/Areas and Other Sensitive Human Receptors...... 5 7.3.10 Construction Timetable and Management ...... 15 3.5 Ecological Designations ...... 6 7.4 Access ...... 15 3.6 Historical/Archaeological Designations ...... 6 7.4.1 Vehicle Access and Parking ...... 15 3.7 Landscape Designations ...... 6 7.5 Movement ...... 15 3.8 Public Rights of Way ...... 6 7.6 Appearance and Materials ...... 15 3.9 Flood Risk ...... 6 7.7 Landscaping and Biodiversity ...... 15 3.10 Groundwater ...... 6 7.8 Community Safety ...... 16 3.11 Planning Policy ...... 6 7.8.1 Operation of the Shooting Range ...... 16 7.9 Environmental Sustainability ...... 17 4 Design Considerations ...... 8 7.10 Local Amenity ...... 17 4.1 Introduction ...... 8 7.11 Socio‐Economic Benefits ...... 17 4.2 Opportunities and Constraints ...... 8 4.2.1 Opportunities ...... 8 8 Conclusions ...... 18 4.2.2 Constraints ...... 8 Appendix A Site Photography ...... 19 5 Design Development ...... 9 5.1 Design Team ...... 9 Drawings ...... 21

5.2 Design Evolution ...... 9 5.3 Physical Arrangement ...... 9

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

1 Introduction

1.1 Background and Context ii) The construction of a safety berm (bund) to the south east of the existing rifle shooting target range. This work has been partially completed. Further works are required to achieve the 101 This Design and Access Statement accompanies an application submitted by Technia Environment finished berm profile and to adopt the recommendations in the Engineering Works Review and Planning Ltd on behalf of Pro Shoot Shooting Club. accompanying this application.

102 Pro Shoot Shooting Club is a not for profit sports club. iii) Surface regrading and drainage works to the north west of the safety berm to manage surface water. 1.2 Location iv) The formalisation of existing firing points at 100, 200, 300, 500 and 600 yard distances from 103 The application site is located on land at Llanbradach Fawr Farm, around 1.1km to the west of the the target area to improve the ground conditions for members of the club when using the rifle village of Llanbradach (Drawings 11062‐000‐A and 11062‐000‐B). shooting target range.

104 For identification purposes the application site is approximately centred at Ordnance Survey grid v) Construction of a ramped access to the 100 yd firing point for wheelchair users. reference ST 13600 91500. vi) The construction of a level access to the 200 yd firing point for wheelchair users. Works on 1.3 Existing Use this have been partially completed. vii) The laying of 3m wide geogrid surfaces to the 300, 500 and 600 yard firing points to facilitate 105 The site is currently used for target shooting by members of the Pro Shoot Shooting Club and for occasional vehicular access for wheelchair users. the grazing of cattle by the landowner. Target shooting has been carried out at the site since the 1980’s. viii) The construction of acoustic barriers adjacent to the 600 yard firing point.

106 A Lawful Development Certificate for its current use as a shooting range was granted by ix) Extension of the rifle shooting target area to the south east by approximately 25m. Caerphilly County Borough Council on 25th June 2019. x) The construction of a short distance target shooting range (short range) adjacent to the rifle 1.4 Proposed Use shooting target range, with 4 no. bays separated by earthwork safety berms.

107 The proposed development is for: xi) Seeding of the area of disturbed ground to the east and west of the safety berm in accordance with the recommendations in the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal accompanying this “Construction of bunds to provide safety improvements, firing point and target area upgrades application. for existing shooting range, construction of short target range and target sprint track, and related works” 110 Berms have/are to be constructed from materials that have been dislodged from the existing tips and deposited across the site area. 108 The purpose of the development is to improve the already high standards of operational safety in place at the site and to upgrade the facilities available to members of the shooting club. 111 Replacement of two existing backstop structures has been partially completed and resurfacing of an existing access track to the site has been carried out as part of the works. As refurbishment 109 The development will comprise: activity associated with the existing lawful use, these works do not require planning consent.

i) Realignment of a section of access track approximately 140m in length as it enters the main 112 More intensive use of the site, for example the holding of regular large target shooting events is area of the site. This work has been completed. not proposed, nor is any significant increase in the membership of the shooting club anticipated as a result of this development.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

1.5 Type of Application

113 This application is partly retrospective. The Applicant is seeking full planning permission to complete the development as described in this document. 1.6 Purpose

114 This Design and Access Statement (DAS) has been prepared in accordance with Technical Advice Note – TAN12: Design (2016) and with consideration to Welsh Governments Design and Access Statements in Wales (April 2017).

115 The purpose of the DAS is to communicate what is proposed and to demonstrate the design process that has been undertaken to reach the final proposal.

116 The content of the DAS varies depending on the development. The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012 (as amended) sets out that, as a minimum, the DAS must explain:

• the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development; and • how issues relating to access to the development have been dealt with.

117 Access in this context relates specifically to ease of access for all.

118 In addition to this document, the planning application is supported by a suite of documents which include:

• Planning application forms; • Planning application drawings; • Noise Assessment; • Preliminary Ecological Appraisal; • Landscape Appraisal; • Engineering Works Review; and • Contaminated Land Assessment.

119 This document should be read in conjunction with the associated submitted material to gain a full understanding of the proposed development. Together these documents provide comprehensive details of the proposals, potential impacts and mitigation measures. They demonstrate the diligent approach taken by the Applicant in their approach to delivering a safe, sustainable, efficient target sports facility that contributes positively to Welsh Government and local health and recreational sports policy, objectives and targets.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

2 The Brief and Vision

2.1 Vision 2.3 Achieving the Brief

201 The vision for the proposal is to create a safe and practical shooting range for members of the 207 It is considered that the aims of the brief have been achieved through the development of a Pro Shoot Shoots Club. This would enhance members’ enjoyment of the facility, encouraging proposed layout that will provide members with safe and comfortable facilities. continued participation in a sport that promotes health and well‐being, and enabling members to develop additional skills. 208 The facility does, and will continue to contribute to a network of sports and leisure facilities within Caerphilly County Borough. 2.2 Brief 209 The provision of a high quality sports facility will improve members’ health and wellbeing, a 202 The brief for the project was to enhance the existing facilities for members by further improving fundamental goal of the Well‐being of Future Generations (Wales) Act adopted by the Welsh site safety, upgrading the existing rifle shooting range and constructing a short target shooting Government in 2015. range. 210 The vision and brief for the development has been at the centre of the design proposals and has 203 The design process is to evolve the existing site usage/layout by: informed the evolution of the site layout.

• Further enhancing site safety; • Providing surfaced, all‐weather firing points for members using the existing rifle target shooting range; • Enabling the existing degraded backstop to be replaced with one of similar design, whilst extending this to remove the width constraints of the current range; • Constructing a short shooting range facility; • Developing a target sprint1 activity area; • To formalise an area for field archery; and • Improving access to facilities for wheelchair users and disabled members.

204 The design is to meet any standards set by Caerphilly County Borough Council in terms of requirements regarding highways, trees and landscaping.

205 The design is to respect the landscape and cultural heritage of its environs. It is to incorporate the best facets of design, complement the character and appearance of the surrounding area, and integrate seamlessly into its surroundings.

206 Where technically, economically and environmentally practicable, the development should enhance biodiversity within and in the immediate vicinity of the site.

1 A discipline that combines running with target shooting.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

3 The Site and Its Context

3.1 Site Location 310 The access track runs parallel with the base of the south western face of the linear tips (D) before entering the Rifle Target Shooting Range (E). 301 The application site is located on land at Llanbradach Fawr Farm, around 1.1km to the west of the village of Llanbradach and 1.6km north east of Senghenydd (Drawings 11062‐000‐A and 311 To the north of the north east of the access track, and integrated into the south western face of 11062‐000‐B). The site occupies an area of 4.98 hectares. the linear tips is the rifle target range target area and `backstop (F). Within this is a rectangular area (outlined with a dashed brown line) representing the extent of the original backstop prior 302 For identification purposes the application site is approximately centred at Ordnance Survey to the commencement of works. The original concrete channel structures have been removed grid reference ST 13600 91500. from the face of the tip and the tip face benched in preparation for the construction of the replacement concrete channel. The earthworks to receive the concrete galley channel have 303 The site is situated to the south west of a series of linear tips associated with the former been extended to the south east of original target areas to enable the range to be extended by Llanbradach Colliery. The site is located at an elevation of 300 ‐ 330m AOD, with the shooting approximately 25m to accommodate wider firing lanes. The area of the tip face above the range area at around 315m AOD. The tips rise to an elevation of around 340m AOD. backstop has been infilled to remove the originally rilled form (ridges and furrows of spoil caused by water erosion). 304 Photographs of the existing site are presented in Appendix A. 312 To the south east of the backstop area, a safety berm (G) has been partially constructed. The 3.2 Site Description berm is approximately 85 metres above surrounding ground level and has a trapezoidal form with moderately steep side slopes and a flat top of approximately 4 metres in width. The berm 305 Drawing 11062 – 000 – C shows a schematic layout of the existing site based on surveyed levels has been constructed from materials that have been dislodged from the existing tips and following the initial engineering works. deposited across the site areas (H and I). At its southern end the berm connects with a conical tip, one of three (K) that run parallel with the southern arm of the linear tips (D). 306 The site is accessed by an existing surfaced track (A) which connects with Colliery Road approximately 500m to the north of the site. Colliery Road connects with Station Road in the 313 To the west of the conical tips, work has commenced on a raised access track (J) that leads the commercial centre of Llanbradach approximately 1.5km to the south east of the site. As proposed 200 yard firing point. In this area clean quarried stone has been deposited to form a indicated previously, the access track has been resurfaced with compacted stone to replace the level platform connecting with the site access track. rutted and worn track that has been in use for many years. 3.3 Surrounding Land Uses 307 At the southern end of the access track as it enters the site (B), the alignment has been changed to provide more direct access into the site at a lesser camber than the original track. This 314 The wider area is predominantly within agricultural usage for grazing, interspersed with areas of change has been made to provide a safer route for vehicles accessing the site. woodland and occasional storage barns and residential properties. An extensive area of coniferous woodland abuts the southern boundary of the site, extending eastwards down the

308 Imported inert waste fill has been used to construct the foundations of the realigned access valley side to then broaden in a north to south direction at the base of the valley, where it runs track. The material has then been imported onto site in accordance with prevailing waste parallel with the village of Llanbradach. legislation and duty of care, and it has been used in accordance with a U1: Use of Waste in Construction waste exemption that was registered with Natural Resources Wales. Natural 315 Views into the site are limited and the site is well screened by a combination of topography, the Resources Wales have visited the site, have inspected the stockpiles and consider the material is adjacent tips and mature forestry. Further details are provided in the Landscape Appraisal that compliant with the requirements of the waste exemption. The accompanying Contaminated accompanies this application. Land Assessment has considered the import and deposit of this material, includes laboratory test results from samples of material collect on site, and confirms that there are no 3.4 Residential Properties/Areas and Other Sensitive Human Receptors unacceptable impacts arising from the use of this material as part of the works. 316 The closest residential properties have been identified as: 309 Vehicle parking and unloading areas are located alongside the access track (C).

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

• Llanbradach Isaf Farm, located approximately 584m to the east of the site (789m east of the 322 There are no registered parks and gardens or registered battlefields within 1 km of the site. 100 yd firing point for the rifle target shooting range); 323 There are 6 Listed Buildings within 1km of the site. 2 at Llanbradach Fawr Farm, approximately

• Llanbradach Fawr Farm (the landowner’s residence), located approximately 618m to the north 615m from the site, and 4 in the village of Llanbradach approximately 960m from the site. of the site (1006m north east of the 600 yard firing point and 830m north of the short target shooting range); 3.7 Landscape Designations • 1‐5 Graddfa Villas, located approximately 844m to the east of the site (1.08km east of the 100 yd firing point for the rifle target shooting range); 324 The site is not located within 5km of any Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or Registered Landscape of Historic Interest in Wales. • Graddfa, located approximately 880m to the north east of the site (1.01km north east of the 100 yd firing point for the rifle target shooting range); 325 The site is located in the Mynydd Eglwysilian Special Landscape Area (SLA). • Maes‐diofal, located 903m west north west of the site (905m west north west of the 600 yd firing point for the rifle target shooting range); and 326 A more detailed Landscape Appraisal accompanies this application. • Cefn‐llwyd Farm, located 964m to the south west of the site (964m south west of the 600 yd 3.8 Public Rights of Way firing point for the rifle target shooting range). 327 There are no public rights of way running through or within 100m of the application site. 317 The nearest significant settlements are Llanbradach around 1.1km to the east and Senghenydd 1.6km south west. 328 There is an extensive area of urban common land to the west of the site. 3.5 Ecological Designations 3.9 Flood Risk

318 The following national or internationally designated nature conservation sites are located within 329 The proposed development is not located within an area at risk of flooding. 2km of the boundary of the site:

• Llanbradach Quarry SSSI, lies approximately 1.8km to the south of the site at its closest 3.10 Groundwater point. 330 The site does not lie within a Groundwater Source Protection Zone. 319 The Rifle Target Shooting Range and safety berm are located on the boundary of two adjacent 331 The underlying bedrock designation is Secondary A aquifer. This identifies the geology as SINC sites; Mynydd Eglwysilan SINC and Nant Owen Field SINC. comprising permeable layers that can support local water supplies, and may form an important 320 Other SINC sites identified within 1km of the site include: source of base flow to rivers.

• Llanbradach Fawr Woodlands SINC, located to the north east of the site. Its closest point to 332 The superficial layer designation is Unproductive Strata. These are rock layers or drift deposits the site lies approximately 490m to the north. with low permeability that have negligible significance for water supply or river base flow. 3.6 Historical/Archaeological Designations 3.11 Planning Policy

321 The following Scheduled Ancient Monuments are located within 2km of the site. 333 Relevant planning policy and guidance that influences the design includes:

• Two Round Cairns on the Bryn, approximately 259m to the south of the site. The • Planning Policy Wales, Edition 10 (December 2018) monument comprises the remains of two burial cairns, probably dating to the Bronze Age • Technical Advice Notes; notably TAN11: Noise, TAN12: Design, TAN16: Sport, Recreation (c. 2300 ‐ 800 BC) and Open Space, TAN18: Transport, TAN20: Planning and the Welsh language and TAN24: • Bryn Owen Farm Cairns, Llanfabon, approximately 640m to the south east of the site. The The Historic Environment. monument comprises the remains of four burial cairns probably dating to the Bronze Age • Caerphilly County Borough Local Development Plan up to 2021 (adopted November 2010) (c. 2300 ‐ 800 BC) • Caerphilly County Borough Supplementary Planning Guidance

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

4 Design Considerations

4.1 Introduction ground to the east of the Rhymney Valley (the site would be hidden behind the existing tips from this viewpoint). 401 Various factors were taken into account when formulating the final layout/design solution for 4.2.2 Constraints the proposed development. From the outset, these included: 4.2.2.1 Landscape Value  The requirements to meet relevant Health and Safety regulations and standards;  The arrangements necessary to provide an efficient operating environment; and 410 The site is partially located in Mynydd Egwysilan SLA. Key policy, management and development control issues need to be considered when developing the proposals.  The constraints and opportunities identified through the design analysis of the site and its surrounds. 4.2.2.2 Ecological Value

402 This section will comment on the design considerations and how these factors have been taken 411 The site is partially located in Mynydd Eglwysilan SINC and Nant Owen Field SINC. These locally into account. designated ecological sites have been identified based on a survey in 2007. The sites ecology should be respected and where feasible, structures should be relocated away from areas of 4.2 Opportunities and Constraints ecological value. Where this is not feasible, mitigation measures should be proposed for any habitats that are lost. 4.2.1 Opportunities 4.2.2.3 Access Considerations 4.2.1.1 Existing Lawful Use 412 The site is accessed from the centre of Llanbradach via Station road and then Colliery Road, a 403 The site benefits from an existing lawful use as a shooting range. This use is unrestricted. single lane road for much of its length. Whilst the lane is suitable for use by individual members and club shoots, it would require traffic control measures to be in place to enable larger events 4.2.1.2 Adjacent Land Uses to take place.

404 The primary consideration with respect to adjacent land uses are public safety and noise. 4.2.2.4 Sandstone Safeguarding Area

405 The site is located some distance from human receptors and benefits from screening by 413 The site is located in a sandstone safeguarding area. Only the realignment of the access track topography and landform. represents use of additional land not already included in the existing lawful use. This is a negligible area within the overall sandstone safeguarding area. 406 There are no rights of way through the site, although there is an extensive area of urban common land with open access and intersected a byway to the west of the site.

4.2.1.3 Existing Topography and Landform

407 The existing spoil tips provide a broad, high backstop for the target ranges and being oriented in a north westerly to south easterly direction, avoids members shooting into the sun.

408 The site is partially screened by the tips themselves and by higher ground to the west. The site is not seen from the valley floors to the east and west as they are set down below the steep valley sides.

409 The main views into the site are restricted to those along the open access land along Senghenydd Dyke ridge to the west and long distance views towards the site from the higher

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

5 Design Development

5.1 Design Team 509 Where landscaping and/or ecological mitigation measures are required to ensure no unacceptable impacts on the local area, these have been designed in accordance with technical 501 The design team comprises individuals with significant experience in the design, development advisors’ recommendations. and operation of firing ranges, working alongside a team of external consultants employed for the specialist knowledge of noise, ecology, landscape and visual impact, earthworks design and tip stability, and development planning.

502 The team have met together and in smaller groups to work on aspects of the development. 5.2 Design Evolution

503 The design of the site has, to a degree, been constrained by the limitations of the existing facility. Nonetheless, the layout and design has progressed through several design iterations from initial concept designs (Figure 1) to detailed design to establish the correct geometry of the safety berm, extent of the extended backstop, locations and heights of firing points, short target range, and appropriate landscaping and ecological mitigation.

504 As enhancing site safety has been a driver for the development, risk assessments and technical assessments have been carried out by specialists throughout the process to ensure that design changes have no negative impact on site safety. 5.3 Physical Arrangement

505 The tips provide a natural backstop for the target area, and when combined with concrete channels and soft sand ensure that projectiles are safely captured within the structure. Utilising the existing tip face as part of the backstop for the rifle target shooting range and short target range represents the most logical approach and has been retained throughout the evolution of the site layout.

506 The position of the backstop, in combination with the required separation from the target, determines the firing positions. Firing points can be located in an arc around the backstop, but are ideally aligned perpendicular to the backstop where site geometry permits. The ecological value of the land beneath the firing points and the access routes to the firing points has been considered wherever possible and firing points relocated to avoid areas of higher ecological value.

507 Safety berms have been located in appropriate locations based on a technical assessment of the geometry of the range. The safety berms have been designed to extend to an appropriate height informed by this assessment.

508 Where noise mitigation measures are required to ensure no unacceptable impacts on the amenity of local residents, these have been designed in accordance with technical advisors’ recommendations.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

Figure 1. Conceptual site layout

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

6 Planning Policy Context

6.1 Planning Policy • CW15 General Locational Constraints • CW19 – Rural Development and Diversification 6.1.1 National Planning policy • CW22 Locational Constraints – Minerals 601 The context and framework for determining this planning application is provided in National • NH1 Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) Planning Policy, in this case, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 10 (December 2018) and the accompanying Technical Advice Notes which cover 20 topic areas . In the context of this • NH1.3 Mynydd Eglwysilan application the guidance most relevant to this proposal is contained in TAN11: Noise, TAN12: • NH3 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) Design, TAN16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space, TAN18: Transport, TAN20: Planning and the • NH3.120 – Mynydd Eglwysilan, North of Senghenydd Welsh language and TAN24: The Historic Environment. • NH3.153 – Nant Owen Field, North of Llanbradach 6.1.2 Local Planning Policy 6.2 Well‐being of Future Generations Act (2015) 602 Local Planning Policy operates in harmony with National Planning Policy. The Caerphilly County Borough Local Development Plan up to 2021 (adopted November 2010) forms the statutory 605 The Well‐being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, which came into force in 2015, seeks to framework for the development and use of land within the County Borough. This is accompanied improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well‐being of Wales. The Welsh by Supplementary Planning Guidance covering a range of topics. Government has expressed its a commitment to recasting planning policy in light of the Well‐ being of Future Generations Act to ensure that the well‐being goals of the Act are achieved 603 The site lies outside and to the north west of the defined settlement boundary for Llanbradach. throughout the planning process. 604 The following Local Development Plan policies that are relevant to the proposal include:

• SP3 Development Strategy ‐ Development in the Southern Connections Corridor • SP5 Settlement Boundaries • SP6 Placemaking • SP8 Minerals Safeguarding • SP10 Conservation of Natural Heritage • SP11 Countryside Recreation • SP20 Road Hierarchy • SP21 Parking Standards • CW1 Sustainable Transport, Accessibility and Social Inclusion • CW2 Amenity • CW3 Design Considerations – Highways • CW4 Natural Heritage Protection • CW5 Protection of the Water Environment • CW6 Trees, Woodland and Hedgerow Protection

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

Figure 2. Extract from LDP Proposals Map overlaid with site boundary (in red)

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

7 The Proposal

710 Construction works to complete the target area will include the construction of the galley 7.1 General Description channel, sand‐filled surface for capturing projectiles and installation of the target board frames.

701 The development comprises construction of bunds (berms) to provide safety improvements, firing 711 The existing lawful use of the site permits shooting from any location within the boundary of the point and target area upgrades for the existing shooting range, the construction of a short target site. To improve the ground conditions for members of the club when using the rifle shooting shooting range and target sprint track, and related works. target range, the proposed development includes the construction of level firing points at 100 (L), 200 (M), 300 (N), 500 (O) and 600 (P) yard distances from the target area. The surfaced firing 7.2 Scale points will include ramped access to the 100 yd firing points (L) and level access (J) to the 200 yd firing point (M) for wheelchair users. Works on the level access for the 200 yard firing point have 702 The site occupies an area of 4.98 hectares. been partially completed.

703 The structures within the development rise to a maximum height of 10 metres above ground 712 Access to the 300 (N), 500 (O) and 600 (P) yard firing points for construction, and on foot and level. infrequently by vehicle to facilitate wheelchair access, will be achieved using a 3m wide geogrid surface (Q, R). Topsoil stripped from works elsewhere in the site will be used for localised infilling 704 The adjacent tips represent the most significant man‐made structure in the immediately vicinity of ruts within the 3m width to provide a suitable supporting surface for the geogrid. Topsoil will of the site. These occupy an area of around 13 hectares and rise to a height of around 27m above be infilled between the geogrid cell structures to enable re‐population of the geogrid surfaces by surrounding ground level. native flora species.

7.3 Layout and Construction Works 713 A culvert will be installed under the 300 yard firing point (N) to allow surface water to pass beneath the structure. 705 Drawing 11062 – 000 – D shows a schematic layout of the proposed site. 714 The design of the firing points are shown schematically in Drawing 11062 – 001 – A. The firing 706 Drawing 11062 – 000 – E shows sections through the development at appropriate locations. points will be constructed of consolidated imported inert fill material. The structure will comprise a flat shooting surface 4m in width that is surfaced in Ravendale or Astroturf artificial grass to 7.3.1 Rifle Target Shooting Range provide a comfortable all‐weather surface for members of the club, particularly when shooting from a prone position. Wooden sleepers edge the front and rear of the firing surface. The sides 707 The existing rifle target shooting range (E) comprises a target area (F), firing points (L, M, N, O, P) of the firing point will be sloped at an angle of 45º to meet existing ground level and will be and access areas (Q, R), and the safety berm (G). topsoiled to a depth of 200mm. Topsoil stripped from works elsewhere in the site will be used for 708 The target area (F) comprises a profiled earthworks backstop inset into the south western face of surfacing the firing points and will be turfed/seeded in accordance with recommendations in the the linear tips. The design of the target area is shown schematically in Drawing 11062 – 001 – A. Preliminary Ecological Appraisal to maintain slope integrity and mitigate any habitat loss. The backstop geometry and features are designed to safely capture projectiles fired at the targets 715 The safety berm (G) is located to the south east of the target area. At its southern end the safety and include a concrete gallery channel and sand surfaced trap. Target boards are mounted to berm connects with a conical tip, one of three (K) that run parallel with the southern arm of the wooden mounting fixtures fixed to the interior face of the gallery channel. Flat access areas linear tips (D). enable maintenance to be carried out on the backstop structure. 716 For safe operation of the site, the safety berm must have a minimum height of 8m, with 709 Works to date on the target area have included the removal of the existing concrete gallery recommendations in the accompanying Visual Appraisal being implemented to vary the height of channels and the regrading and benching of the tip face to enable the construction of the new the ridgeline by up to 2m to provide a more natural profile. concrete galley channel. As part of the proposed development the target area will be extended to the south east by approximately 25m to provide wider firing lanes with a view to improving 717 Work to construct the safety berm has been partially completed. Further works are required to members’ comfort and to further improve site safety. achieve the finished berm profile, and will include reforming the lower level of the adjacent

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

conical tip around its entire circumference as recommended in the Engineering Works Review 7.3.5 Associated Works accompanying this application. 7.3.5.1 Access Track Realignment 718 The safety berm will have a stable 33º side slopes and a rounded top to allow surface water to drain away from the structure. The berm has been constructed from materials that have been 725 At the southern end of the access track as it enters the site (B), the alignment has been changed dislodged from the existing tips and deposited across the site areas (H and I). Materials to to provide more direct access into the site at a lesser camber than the original track. This change complete the berm will be recovered from the construction works for the short target shooting has been made to provide a safer route for vehicles accessing the site. range and clearance of dislodged tip material in the area used for parking members’ vehicles (C). 7.3.5.2 Drainage 719 Although there are no public rights of way within the site, members of the public have been known to enter the site either on foot or on motorbike and quad bikes and by passing between 726 Surface regrading and drainage works are required to the north west of the safety berm (H) to the linear and conical tips could place themselves between the firing points and target area. The manage surface water. The drainage infrastructure serving the development area will be safety berm will also provide a physical barrier to access and, in combination with additional constructed in accordance with Statutory SuDS Standards. An application will be made to the signage and warning flags (see 7.3.5.4), will further enhance site safety. local authority in its role as SuDS Approving Body (SAB) to approve the scheme prior to the commencement of construction. 720 Finally, and as indicated in the accompanying Noise Assessment, increasing the height of the safety berm will further attenuate noise from the site experienced by receptors to the east of the 7.3.5.3 Access Gates site. 727 A field gate will be constructed across the access track as it enters the range area (U). This will be 7.3.2 Short Target Shooting Range of a 5 bar galvanised steel type and will be used to control access to the range area when it is in use by club members. 721 A short target shooting range (S) will be constructed to the north west of the rifle shooting target range. It will comprise 4 no. bays separated by earthwork safety berms 4m in height. Materials 7.3.5.4 Warning Signage and Warning Flags to complete the berms will be recovered from the construction works for the short target 728 Warning signage will be installed at access points to the site to advise club members and shooting range and clearance of dislodged tip material in the area used for parking members’ members of the public that the site is a shooting range and whether or not it is in use. These will vehicles (see 7.4.1). be installed at the main entrance (V) to the site and at appropriate locations along the perimeter 722 The existing tip face will be used as a backstop for the Short Range and will require localised re‐ of the site. Signage details are shown in drawing 11062 – 001 – B. profiling and infilling of rills to achieve a stable face angle of 33º. 729 When the range is in use, it is a safety requirement that red warning flags are displayed. 4 no. 7.3.3 Target Sprint Area galvanised steel flag poles 8m in height will be erected at the approximate corners of the shooting range (W). Flag poles will be painted dark brown to reduce their visibility when viewed against 723 Target Sprint involves a series of short runs (generally 3 x 400m) interspersed by shooting at the ground or spoil tips. knockdown targets. The Short Target Range will be used for the shooting element of this activity with the land adjacent to the access track between the Short Target Shooting Range and Rifle 7.3.5.5 Acoustic Barrier Target Shooting Range providing space for the construction of a sprint track (T). The sprint track 730 In accordance with recommendations in the accompanying Noise Assessment, an acoustic barrier will be graded to mirror that of the access track. (X) will be constructed to the north and west of the 600 yard firing point. The barrier will be 2m 7.3.4 Field Archery Area higher than the ground level of the firing point and be constructed from timber, sleepers or similar with scattered planting areas of locally native scrub/hedge species between the barrier 724 The rifle shooting target range and short target range, when not in use for target shooting, will be and the open moorland to the north/west (as recommended in the accompanying Landscape used for field archery. This will formalise the areas on‐site used for this activity and will provide a Appraisal). safe and enclosed area for members of the club to enjoy this activity. 7.3.5.6 Reinstatement Works

731 Reinstatement of the areas of disturbed ground to the east and west of the safety berm (H, I) will be carried out in accordance with the recommendations in the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

accompanying this application and will include seeding with Emorsgate Seeds EM4 – Meadow 743 As indicated previously, more intensive use of the site, for example the holding of regular large Grass Mixture for Clay Soils which includes 80% grasses/20% wildflowers. target shooting events is not proposed, nor is any significant increase in the membership of the shooting club anticipated as a result of this development. 7.3.6 Landscaping 744 No significant increase in traffic movements will result from the proposed development and as a 732 Due to the limited impact of the development on surrounding views, significant landscaping and consequence, there will be no unacceptable impacts on the surrounding highway network. planting has not been considered necessary. 745 No increase in parking provision is necessary. Use of land to the north west of the short target 733 The accompanying Landscape Appraisal includes more detailed proposals for landscape and visual shooting range is currently used informally for parking members’ vehicles. Use of this area will be mitigation and concludes that “subject to the mitigation and compensation measures proposed in formalised by clearing material dislodged from the tip face to provide a level surface. Section 3.1.3 being implemented and maintained, adverse landscape and visual effects are assessed as not significant.” These measures will be implemented and maintained as proposed. 7.5 Movement

7.3.7 Boundary Finishes 746 Given the necessity to locate this type of facility away from urban centres and the need to carry firearms safely to the site, access to the facility will be almost exclusively via Private or Light 734 The existing strained wire fences enclosing the wider site will be retained. Goods (PLG) vehicles. The use of public transport or access on foot, would not be considered 7.3.8 Lighting appropriate for users of the range facilities. As a consequence, access to public transport has not been a consideration in assessing movement to and from the site. 735 No lighting of the range is proposed. 7.6 Appearance and Materials 7.3.9 CCTV 747 The range is located in an upland, rural location. Materials used in the development have been 736 No CCTV is proposed. chosen to be sympathetic to those of the existing surroundings and to integrate the development into this setting. For example, the upper surface of the firing points are to be surfaced with

7.3.10 Construction Timetable and Management artificial grass and the side slopes of the firing points and berms turfed/seeded to reduce visibility and integrate them into the surrounding ground cover. Field gates have been proposed to 737 Construction work is expected to last 12 ‐ 16 weeks in total. maintain an agricultural character to boundary treatments, and wood has been used for the 738 Construction vehicles will use the existing access to the range. edging of the firing points, backstop channel and acoustic barrier.

739 Waste produced during construction will be collected separately and managed in accordance with 7.7 Landscaping and Biodiversity the waste hierarchy. 748 While it is recognised in the accompanying Landscape Appraisal Note that some initial site works 740 All work will comply with prevailing construction and Health and Safety standards. may have been to the detriment of the local landscape and the adjacent SINCs, there is now an opportunity to enhance the landscape and ecological value of the site through mitigation 741 Local construction labour will be employed to minimise travel and support the local economy measures associated with the proposed works. The accompanying Preliminary Ecological wherever feasible to do so. Appraisal and Landscape Appraisal include proposals to mitigate the impact of the development. Maintaining/enhancing the vegetation types is a priority for increasing both the biodiversity and 7.4 Access landscape values and opportunities will be developed in liaison with the LPA Ecologists.

7.4.1 Vehicle Access and Parking 749 LDP Policy SP11 Countryside Recreation indicates “Access to opportunities for enjoyment of the County Borough will be promoted and encouraged where the proposals are sustainable in terms of 742 As is currently the case for the existing range, the site will be accessed from the centre of its impact on the natural heritage, the local community and the rural environment within which Llanbradach via Station road and then Colliery Road. they are located.”

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

750 LDP Policy CW4 Natural Heritage Protection states “Development proposals that affect locally 7.8.1.3 Range Rules designated natural heritage features, will only be permitted: 755 Range rules govern the safe conduct of club members when using the ranges. All club members A. Where they conserve and where appropriate enhance the distinctive or characteristic features receive copies of the range rules and key rules and warnings are displayed on a board at the of the Special Landscape Area (SLA) or Visually Important Local Landscape (VILL). entrance to the site. Range rules cover the following topic areas.

B. Within, or in close proximity to sites designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation • General (SINC), Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS), Green Corridors, • Firearms and Ammunition or Local Priority Habitats and Species, where proposals either: i Conserve and where appropriate enhance the ecological or geological importance of the designation, or ii Are such that the need • Ranges and Permitted Firearms for the development outweighs the ecological importance of the site, and where harm is • Range Use minimised by mitigation measures and offset as far as practicable by compensation measures designed to ensure that there is no reduction in the overall value of the area or feature.” • Dates and Times of Shooting • Range Signals 751 LDP Policy NH3 indicates that: • Emergencies “Where harm is unavoidable it should be minimised by effective mitigation measures to ensure • Restrictions on Targets that there is no reduction in the overall nature conservation value of the area or feature. Where this is not possible, compensation measures designed to conserve, enhance and manage locally • Restrictions on Firing distinctive natural habitats and species should be provided, including for example details of • Range Officer Duties restoration and reclamation schemes.” • Safety Regulations 752 As such, this report, and the accompanying technical assessments confirm that, subject to • Safe Custody compliance with the recommendations provided, the development is considered to be acceptable • Butts and in accord with the Local Development Plan. • Minors 7.8 Community Safety • Spectators

7.8.1 Operation of the Shooting Range • Animals • Radios 7.8.1.1 Range Risk Assessment • Emergency Procedure 753 A risk assessment has been carried out by competent staff to identify existing and potential • Health hazards associated with normal range activity, demonstrate that the appropriate control measures have been put in place and to monitor the overall safety regime applied to the range. • Regulations by Range and Risk Assessments Where possible, hazards have eliminated in their entirety, or reduced to as low as reasonably 7.8.1.4 Range Officers practicable. The findings and measures identified in the range risk assessment informs the Range Action Safety Plan. 756 Technically competent members of the club will be designated as Range Officers. Range Officers will supervise the site and ensure that it is operated in accordance with RASP, Range Rules and 7.8.1.2 Range Action Safety Plan (RASP) prevailing legislation. 754 The RASP governs the safe conduct of shooting at the site. All users of the ranges are bound by 757 The Club Committee will ensure that sufficient competent Range Officers are present on‐site to this Safety Plan. The objectives of the RASP are to ensure a rapid and effective response to manage and operate the site’s activities at all times. Range Officers will be officially trained by incidents and occurrences, to define the duties and responsibilities of the Range Staff and to national governing bodies (including NRA and UKPSA) in how to operate safe ranges. detail points and subjects to be covered in Range Safety Briefings.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

7.8.1.5 Training 767 The development builds on the benefits provided by the existing range facilities, encouraging member participation by providing upgraded facilities and additional target shooting challenges 758 New members of the club will be given a full range safety briefing by appropriately qualified and (such as target sprint and short range target shooting.) experienced Range Officers or other appropriately qualified persons. Records will be kept of all member training. Refresher briefings will be delivered to club members on at least an annual basis. 7.9 Environmental Sustainability

759 In accordance with the Environmental Sustainability objectives stated in TAN12: Design, developers need to achieve efficient use and protection of natural resources, enhance biodiversity and design for change.

760 The site development will accord with the latest construction standards. The overall sustainability principles of the development are considered to be high.

761 The development will enhance the environmental and biodiversity capacity of the site through the implementation of habitat creation and management. 7.10 Local Amenity

762 A noise impact assessment accompanies this application and confirms subject to the construction of an acoustic barrier adjacent to the 600 yard firing point, that there will be no unacceptable impact on local amenity as a result of the development of the short target shooting range and changes in shooting conditions due to the extended target range and raised firing points for the rifle target shooting range.

763 Furthermore it confirms that the safety berm provides effective attenuation of noise experienced by receptors to the east of the site. It is noted that noise complaints from members of the public have not been received by the shooting club. 7.11 Socio‐Economic Benefits

764 The health and wellbeing benefits of target shooting have become more widely recognised in recent years. Shooting builds physical strength, particularly in the arms, improves hand‐eye coordination and fine motor skills, and promotes balance. It also provides a form of aerobic exercise through walking between targets.

765 In wellbeing terms, target shooting improves focus and mental discipline, advances personal responsibility and increases confidence. Particularly when target shooting as a member of a club, the activity provides social contact and promotes the development of relationships with other people.

766 Target shooting is therefore an essential component of any integrated sports and leisure strategy.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

8 Conclusions

901 This Design and Access Statement has been prepared on behalf of Pro Shoot Shooting Club and in accordance with TAN12: Design (2016).

902 The development would be located on a site with existing lawful use as a shooting range.

903 The site will continue to be operated to high safety standards and in full compliance with prevailing legislation.

904 More intensive use of the site is not proposed, nor is any significant increase in the membership of the shooting club anticipated as a result of this development. The use of the site by the shooting club will continue to represent small scale target shooting activity in keeping with its environs.

905 The design and layout of the site has evolved over time and has taken into account local constraints and the integration of the development into its surroundings. It ensures that safe and effective recreational shooting operations can be undertaken.

906 Ecological, landscape and noise impacts associated with the development have been assessed, and subject to the proposed mitigation measures being implemented and maintained, it is clear that the proposed development will have no unacceptable impacts on natural and heritage features, or the amenity of local residents.

907 The development supports national sports strategy and policy, and contributes towards the provision of an adequate network of sports and leisure facilities to meet local need and encourage health and wellbeing.

908 The application is being made on behalf of a non‐profit making sports club. The Applicant considers the development to represent “works for playing fields not involving buildings” and is seeking the associated reduction in planning fees.

909 It is considered that this report demonstrates that the proposed development has suitably addressed the key material considerations for this site including design and access, and there are no technical reasons why the proposed development should not receive planning consent. As such, it is respectfully requested that Caerphilly County Borough Council grant planning consent for the proposed development.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

Appendix A Site Photography

Plate 1. View east along access track towards conical tips – the location of the car parking area and short target shooting range is to the left of the access track.

Plate 2. View south east – the rifle target shooting range backstop/target area is located to the left of shot and safety berm to the right in front of the conical tips.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

Plate 3. View towards rifle target area of the rifle target shooting range from the south of the safety berm and conical tip.

Plate 4. View west from the safety berm towards the 200 yard firing point (centre of shot) of the rifle target shooting range.

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

Drawings

11062 ‐ 000 ‐ A Location Plan 11062 ‐ 000 ‐ B Site and Surrounding Area 11062 ‐ 000 ‐ C Existing Layout 11062 ‐ 000 ‐ D Proposed Layout (Site Plan) 11062 ‐ 000 ‐ E Sections 11062 ‐ 000 ‐ F Viewpoint Locations 11062 ‐ 001 ‐ A Rifle Target Shooting Range ‐Target Area and Backstop Design 11062 ‐ 001 ‐ B Range Signs

Land at Llanbradach Tips, Heol Las, Penhyrheol, Caerphilly Design and Access Statement

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