PROPOSALS to stage ‘realistic’ war simulation games on a site near Rixton Moss have been refused – for the time being.

A non-material amendment application was submitted to allow for the use of Owls Hoot Target Club, or Prospect Lane Shooting Club, on Prospect Lane for airsoft play war games.

Documents state that the current use for the land is clay pigeon and associated air rifle and archery, which was initially refused in February 2013, but allowed on appeal in February 2014.

The clay pigeon business has recently closed however, and the intention of the application was to substitute this for airsoft games.

But this application has been refused by Warrington Borough Council’s planning department, which said that further plans with public consultation are needed.

Airsoft, described as being ‘very popular in the UK’, having originated in Japan in the early 1980s as a competitor for paintball, sees teams shooting small BB projectiles at each other.

It differs from paintball by being much more focused towards military simulation, using imitation firearms modelled on genuine firearms, which are ‘in many cases almost indistinguishable from the real thing’.

Players are also ‘much more dedicated to dressing in realistic military gear’, including combat clothing, vests, helmets and caps.

Plans state: “Until recently, the site was ran successfully as Prospect Target Club Limited, generally without complaint, and importantly in compliance with a number of planning conditions which understandably sought to mitigate any disturbance the site could, in the absence of which, give rise to.

“The landowner wishes to preserve the consented and now well-established use, but has been approached for a number of alternative uses.

“One such use, which is considered capable of working well alongside the already established use, is mixed war games.”

Documents state that noise from airsoft guns is ‘very minimal and significantly below that associated with clay pigeon shooting and rifles’.

“Beyond the guns themselves, participants do not make much noise during the course of the games, reflecting most if not all games are stealth based,” plans add.

However, a further application is needed for council consent to be given.

A decision notice reads: “A full planning application is required for this change of use from clay pigeon shooting to airsoft play.

“In accordance with planning policy, a non-material amendment can only have regard to the non-material amendments sought only, and is not a reissue of the original planning permission, which still stands.

“Clay pigeon shooting falls within a sui generis use. A change of a sui generis use cannot be considered as part of a non-material amendment.

“It is a use class on its own, regardless of the similarities, and as such it requires a full application.”

The decision adds: “Airsoft is likely to have some similarities to clay pigeon shooting sui generis use; likely resulting in some similar material considerations.

“However, some considerations will not be similar, including the fact that airsoft is more accessible to the public and has the potential to be significantly more intensive.

“The proposal requires a full assessment; that includes the input of consultees and public consultation.”