USE OF LAND FOR RECREATIONAL PAINTBALL GAMES AND RETENTION OF ANCILLARY STRUCTURES
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LAND AT BADGERDELL WOOD,
BARNES LANE,
KINGS LANGLEY
STATEMENT
IN SUPPORT OF
APPLICATION FOR PLANNING
PERMISSION
USE OF LAND FOR
RECREATIONAL PAINTBALL
GAMES AND RETENTION OF
ANCILLARY STRUCTURES
January 2010
Rob Huntley Planning Consultancy
Stratfield House
256 High Street
Crowthorne
Berks
RG45 7AH
Tel • 01344 769259
Fax • 01344 769259
email • rob.huntley@talk21.com
CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 THE RECREATIONAL PAINTBALL GAMES 1
OPERATION
3 THE SITE AND SURROUNDINGS 2
4 THE DEVELOPMENT 4
5 POLICY CONTEXT 5
6 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 10
7 CONCLUSIONS 13
APPENDICES
1 LOCATION OF DELTA FORCE PAINTBALL SITES
2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PAINTBALL OPERATION
3 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF SITE AND SURROUNDINGS
4 DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
5 WHO PLAYS & TESTIMONIALS
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS
Application Drawings
Location Plan;
and drawing numbers
Archaeological Assessment Report Chiltern Archaeology
Nature Conservation Report JFA Ltd
Walkover Survey – Letter of Report JFA Ltd
i
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This Statement is submitted in support of an application for planning permission by
Mr Duncan Gass. The application seeks planning permission for the continued use
of land at Badgerdell Wood, Barnes Lane, Kings Langley for recreational paintball
activities and the retention of associated structures which facilitate this
recreational use.
1.2 Delta Force currently operates a recreational paintball games facility nearby at
Bourne End, to the west of Hemel Hempstead. That site is very popular and is, on
occasions, unable to meet local demand. The Badgerdell Wood proposal which is
the subject of this application, is intended as an adjunct to the Bourne End site. As
it would operate in this way, rather than as a “stand-alone” facility, it is intended to
be a more limited scale of operation than that at Bourne End, in terms of the
number of game zones, number of participants and the frequency of use.
1.3 A previous application was submitted, for the same development at this site, in
September 2008. During consideration of that application (4/02030/08/MFA),
the suggestion was made that the remains of an historic chalk mine may exist at
the site, and to allow for that possibility to be investigated, the application was
withdrawn. Chiltern Archaeology was commissioned to undertake an
archaeological evaluation. A report of that archaeological evaluation accompanies
this application.
1.4 This Statement, which incorporates a Design and Access Statement, describes the
nature of the recreational use, outlines the planning policy context and addresses
the planning considerations relevant to the consideration of this application.
1.5 In addition to this Statement and the accompanying application forms and
drawings, Reports dealing with nature conservation aspects and the archaeological
potential of the site, also accompany this application.
2.0 THE RECREATIONAL PAINTBALL GAMES OPERATION
2.1 Delta Force, the company which operates the recreational use of the site, is the
leading provider of paintball games facilities in the UK. It operates from over 20
sites throughout the country. A map indicating these locations is attached at
Appendix 1. Delta Force is a well respected and well established provider of
1
recreational paintball games and has been awarded a five star accreditation for
safety by the sport’s national governing body, the UK Paintball Association (UKPBA).
In almost all instances, because of the particular nature of the operation, paintball
sites are located within a wooded countryside location.
2.2 Delta Force paintball games sites operate on each Saturday and Sunday between
February and November, some Saturdays and Sundays in December and January,
and an average of one additional day per week (Monday to Friday) throughout the
year. Participants pre-book their attendance, often many months in advance. It is
usual for participants to attend in groups of friends, family or colleagues and to
make arrangements to share transport.
2.3 Attendance is for the whole day and players are on site between 9.00am and 4pm.
Staff are present between 8am and about 5.30pm to prepare and clear up.
Paintball operations only take place during daylight hours. At Appendix 2 is an
extract from the Delta Force website (www.paintballgames.co.uk) describing a
typical day for participants.
2.4 The operation requires very limited external lighting to illuminate the base camp for
short periods of time during the winter months to enable staff to clear up after a
day’s play and to pack up and secure the various items of equipment. The lighting is
focused on the base camp area and is not visible from long range. Vehicular
movements to and from the site are limited, with visitors usually arriving together
and sharing vehicles. Larger vehicles also access the site occasionally to remove
refuse and sewage from the site (which is safely and securely contained within the
base camp), and for the delivery of supplies.
2.5 This Badgerdell Wood site, as its purpose is to augment the existing provision at
Bourne End to be able to accommodate local demand at times when the numbers
wishing to make bookings exceeds existing capacity. It is expected that this would
be on no more than 60 days per year and that a maximum of 150 participants
would be accommodated.
2
3.0 THE SITE AND SURROUNDINGS
3.1 The appeal site comprises a small area of woodland situated in a shallow valley. It is
surrounded by agricultural land in arable use. The woodland as a whole extends in
total to around 5.5 hectares, but not all of the land is actively used for recreational
paintball games. Buffer zones, from which paintball activities are excluded, are
defined around the periphery of the site, between game zones and in the north west
corner of the woodland.
3.2 The outer margins of the woodland, which are excluded from the active paintball
games area, include mature trees, principally oak and beech, comprising a semi-
natural woodland with a predominantly closed canopy. The central and eastern
part of the woodland, where the paintball games take place, is characterised by
smaller, younger trees with a more open canopy.
3.3 The site is not identified as having any particular nature conservation value and is
not subject to any statutory of local designations in this regard. Further description
of the characteristics of the site, explaining its relative lack of nature conservation
interest and potential is set out in the Desk Study and Report of a Walkover Study
undertaken by JFA, a specialist environmental consultancy, which accompany this
application.
3.4 The location and context of the site and its extent are illustrated on the aerial
photographs in Appendix 3. The land lies to the south east of Barnes Lane which
connects to Rucklers Lane to the north. Vehicular access is gained in the north
east corner via an existing entrance from Barnes Lane. Surrounding the site are
extensive fields in arable cultivation.
3.5 In the north eastern part of the site is an enclosure containing a group of shelters
and ancillary structures. This forms the “Base Camp” from which the recreational
operation is organised, adjacent to which is an area of car parking. This area
contains the reception and registration function, kitchen, toilet and locker
installations, equipment store, kiosk and briefing podium/scoreboard stand.
3.6 The site has previously been used, in accordance with a previous planning
permission, for recreational purposes. Use in connection with a gun club has been
3
previously authorised and an indoor rifle range building remains on the site. This
building is to be incorporated as a component of the paintball games.
4
4.0 THE DEVELOPMENT
4.1 Within the woodland site a number of “game zones” are defined. These are the
areas within which the recreational paintball games sessions take place. Each
game zone is arranged so as to provide a variety of environments and contexts for
play. Several of the zones are provided with rustic timber structures to provide
concealment, bases for defence and targets for attack as integral features of the
recreational activities. These include a “castle”, a series of small huts simulating a
“village”, together with small scale timber barriers. A pre-existing building within the
woodland, formerly an indoor rifle range, is incorporated in one of the game zones.
4.2 The ancillary structures are illustrated on the accompanying application drawings.
The ancillary structures within the basecamp area and the game zones are listed in
the table below.
STRUCTURE AREA (sqm) DETAILS ON PLAN
NUMBER
Kit Store 14.9 4
Toilets 14.9 4
Shop 14.9 5
Kitchen 14.9 5
Briefing/Scoreboard Stand 4.7 6
Village (4 huts) 66.6 7&8
Castle 45.2 9
5
5.0 POLICY CONTEXT
5.1 The principal sources of planning policy guidance relevant to the consideration of
the appeal are national policies in the form of Circulars, Planning Policy Guidance
Notes (PPG's) and Planning Policy Statements and those of the Development Plan.
The Development Plan comprises the East of England Regional Plan (May 2008)
and the Dacorum Borough Local Plan (April 2004). All policies of the Local Plan,
apart from policy 27, are currently “saved” pending the adoption of replacement
Local Development Documents as part of the Local Development Framework
process.
National Planning Policy
Planning Policy Guidance Note 2
5.2 PPG2 sets out policy applying in Green Belts. The essential thrust of green belt
policy is to maintain openness by resisting “inappropriate” development. Specific
uses of land are encouraged within green belts by PPG2, including outdoor
recreation. I deal in more detail with Green Belt policy considerations are dealt with
later in this statement.
Planning Policy Statement 7
5.3 PPS7 encourages more sustainable patterns of development including by
promoting appropriate leisure opportunities to enable urban and rural dwellers to
enjoy the countryside.
5.4 Paragraph 15 of the guidance states that “Planning policies should provide a
positive framework for facilitating sustainable development that…make the most of
new leisure and recreational opportunities that require a countryside location.”
5.5 Paragraph 34 promotes leisure uses and recognises the vital role they play in rural
economies. Leisure developments are encouraged where they offer benefits to
communities and visitors and where they do not harm the character of the
countryside. The use of the appeal site adds to the diversity of leisure opportunities
within the area and the limited built forms associated with the use integrate into
the countryside without detriment.
6
Planning Policy Statement 9
5.6 This gives guidance on Biodiversity issues. The central thrust of the policy set out in
these documents is that development proposals and planning decisions should not
give rise to significant harm to biodiversity considerations. .
Planning Policy Guidance Note 17
5.7 PPG 17 recognises that the countryside can provide opportunities for recreation,
and visitors can play an important role in supporting the rural economy.
Furthermore, local sports and recreational facilities can contribute to the quality of
life and well being of people who live in rural areas. The Annex to this PPG states
that sport and recreation is not formally identified for the purposes of this PPG and,
therefore, the policies are generic and should be applied to all forms of recreational
activity, which therefore include paintball use.
5.8 Paragraph 26 notes that developments require special justification if they are to be
located in open countryside, although proposals involving sports and recreation
should be given favourable consideration. All development in rural areas should be
designed and sited so as to be sensitive to its rural location. These principles are
reflected in the development which is the subject of this application.
5.9 Paragraph 31 recognises that certain types of sport and recreation need to be
located to take advantage of natural features. This is relevant in this instance since
paintball games need to take place in woodland, which provides cover for
participants, and has the added benefit that the activities associated with the use
are screened so as to be visually unobtrusive. The guidance recognises that
planning permission for these activities should be granted where the impact of
sports and recreational activities on natural features can be minimised.
The East of England Regional Plan
5.10 Paragraph 8.5 of the Regional Plan identifies the need to respond to local need and
demand for outdoor recreational opportunities and policy ENV4 stresses that
public access to countryside areas should be increased. The use proposed in this
application would accord with these objectives. In particular it would provide access
to countryside open space for recreational purposes in response to local need and
demand.
7
5.11 Policy ENV2 is concerned to avoid significant landscape impact. Policy ENV3 seeks
to avoid harm to nature conservation interests and to encourage enhancements to
be secured where possible. Policy ENV5 recognises the recreational value of areas
of woodland and seeks to avoid its loss.
5.12 The use of this area of woodland for recreational purposes would accord with the
objectives of the Regional Plan. In particular; it will provide access to countryside
resources for recreational purposes in a location where there would be no adverse
impact on landscape character or quality; would utilise woodland which has no
designation recognising any significant nature conservation interest; and would
provide opportunities for enhancement of the woodland through its positive
management.
The Local Plan
5.13 The saved policies of the Local Plan of most relevance to the recreational use of the
application site are Policy 4 (Green Belt), Policy 11 (Quality of Development), Policy
72 (Land for Leisure), Policy 82 (Noisy Countryside Sports), Policy 96 (Landscape
Strategy), Policy 99 (Protection of Trees etc), Policy 101 (Tree & Woodland
Management) and Policy 102 (Nature Conservation).
5.14 Policy.4 of the Local Plan sets the policy framework for development in the Green
Belt, consistent with PPG2. Use for outdoor recreation is appropriate and a
specific objective of policy. The ancillary structures are small scale, do not
compromise openness and are the minimum required to support the recreational
use. There is therefore no conflict with this policy.
5.15 Policy 11 establishes a series of general development control objectives and
criteria intended to ensure high quality development. In relation to the individual
criteria, the development would:-
Retain trees and other vegetation (criterion (b));
On account of the wooded character of the site, not cause visual
intrusion, and in view of the absence of residential properties in proximity
avoid any adverse impact by reason of noise, general disturbance or loss
of privacy (criterion (d));
8 Retain the woodland as a component part of the local landscape and
provide opportunities for the enhancement of the limited nature
conservation interest of the site (criterion (e));
Not give rise to danger to road users or to amenity, in view of the very
limited level of traffic that would be generated (criteria (f) and (g));
Incorporate adequate provision for parking and the limited need for
servicing, within the site (criterion (h));
Enable, as other Delta Force sites already do, access to and within the
site to participants with mobility or other disabilities (criterion (i));
Ensure that pollution is avoided by using biodegradable and non-toxic
paintball supplies, storing all waste securely on site and disposing of this
properly off-site through licensed contractors and confining play to
daylight hours, thereby ensuring that any lighting is required only for
limited periods for clearing up at the end of a day’s play (confined to
winter months) (criterion j));
Making use of existing vegetation and the reuse of buildings on site to
prevent any harm to Green Belt openness (criterion (k)).
In these ways the provisions of policy 11 would be complied with.
5.16 Policy 72 gives high priority to the provision of additional leisure opportunities.
Paragraph 72.1 recognises that some particular types of provision (giving “war
games” as a specific example) may involve a degree of travel from participant’s
homes. Paragraph 72.4 gives examples of locational characteristics for particular
recreational activities. It indicates that “combat games” can be accommodated in
valleys between towns, in unfarmable areas but not where open, exposed or open
to urban influences, and where there would be no threat to sensitive wildlife
habitats or other resources. The characteristics of the site enable all these criteria
to be met, consistent with policy 72.
5.17 Policy 82 refers specifically to “Noisy Countryside Sports” and paragraph 82.1
mentions “war games” in this context. The paintball games operation involves
largely the application of stealth techniques and the use of compressed non-
inflammable gas as the propellant (rather than loud explosive discharges as with
firearms and shotguns), is not an inherently noisy activity. The site lies outside the
Chilterns AONB and is not subject to any designation reflecting ecological value.
The operation is of a small scale and there are no adjoining uses or public rights of
9way which could give rise to potential safety concerns. The provisions of policy 82
of the local plan would be met.
5.18 Policies 96 and 99 address Landscape Strategy and the preservation of trees etc,
respectively. No trees or hedgerows are to be removed in conjunction with the use
of the site. The paintball games activities, which utilise non-toxic and bio-degradable
projectiles, will cause no harm to trees or habitats on the site. Policy 101
encourages the introduction of woodland management regimes. The beneficial and
income-producing use will enable positive management of the site to be undertaken,
These measures will ensure that the contribution the woodland makes to the local
landscape will be retained and what limited nature conservation potential the site
possesses will be maintained and enhanced. These measures will be consistent
with the objectives of policies 96, 99 and 101.
5.19 Policy 102 is concerned to ensure that harm is not caused to sites designated for
their nature conservation interest, such as SSSIs, Nature Reserves and Wildlife
Sites. The site has limited nature conservation value and is not the subject of any
national or local designation in this respect. Policy 102 is not infringed by the
development. Notwithstanding the absence of any nature conservation designation,
it is proposed to introduce a beneficial management regime in accordance with a
Woodland Management Plan. This will accord with the objectives set out in policy
103, which encourages such management.
106.0 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 In this section I consider the development involved in the application against the
relevant policy context.
Countryside Issues
6.2 The use which is the subject of this application is an outdoor recreational use
requiring a countryside location. The use of the land for outdoor recreational
purposes is one of the specific purposes identified in Policy 4 of the Local Plan and
in accordance with the locational criteria set out in Policy 72. The use of land in
countryside locations for outdoor recreation is also encouraged in PPG2, PPS7 and
PPG17.
6.3 The ancillary structures are the minimum necessary to support the recreational
use and do not harm the openness of the countryside. They would not therefore be
regarded as “inappropriate” even if the site were in an area designated as green
belt.
6.4 The base camp complex is, in any event, of a low-key nature, in terms of scale,
height and extent. The materials used are of a rustic appearance. The wooded
character of the site is such that the use and the structures associated with it are
not prominent in the local landscape.
6.5 Access to the base camp complex and the provision of car parking associated with
the use is via an existing track, and this does not therefore require any separate
construction or access from the highway. Neither the use, nor the associated
structures, nor the access affects the character of the countryside in this vicinity
6.6 Neither the use nor the ancillary structures has any significant effect on the
character or quality of the landscape or the openness of the countryside in this
vicinity. These are not prominent from outside the site. Indeed they are effectively
invisible from outside the site boundaries. The use of the site does not harm the
character of the surrounding agricultural landscape and there is therefore no
conflict with policy 96 of the Local Plan.
11Nature Conservation Aspects
6.7 The application site is not subject to any of the designations mentioned in Policy
102 of the Local Plan. The accompanying Report prepared by JFA Ltd clarifies that
the development does not affect any statutorily protected species or habitats, so
Policy 102 is not infringed..
6.8 The development involved in this application is not the sort of major development
where Policy 103 seeks specific management measures to enhance biodiversity.
However, appropriate management measures can be introduced, as the JFA
report makes clear, which would result in enhancement of the presently limited
nature conservation interest of the site.
6.9 Without an appropriate income producing use for this small area of woodland there
would be no incentive for appropriate management of it. Without such
management the value of the site in visual and environmental terms would diminish.
A programme of management, with the objective of mitigating and indeed
enhancing the nature conservation value and potential of the site, can be
undertaken, financed by the income generated by the recreational use. A woodland
management plan can be put in place to achieve such beneficial effects. This would
accord with the objectives set out in Policy 101 of the Local Plan. Forestry use of
this small are of woodland would be of marginal commercial viability and such a
regime would, in any case, result in the felling of mature timber within the woodland,
substantially altering its visual contribution to the landscape and what limited
nature conservation interest it presently has.
Amenity Issues
6.10 The use takes place on Saturdays and Sundays and typically on one other day
during the week. Hours of operation are typically 9.00am to 4.00pm. The
recreational activities take place only during daylight hours, thereby minimising any
theoretical potential to cause disturbance to amenity of residents. In any event,
there are no residential properties in such close proximity to the site that they
would be at risk of experiencing an adverse impact.
126.11 Noise generated by the use is not intrusive. The prevailing noise climate in the
vicinity is, in any event, dominated by traffic using the A41 dual carriageway which
passes about 500m to the east. The nearest residential properties lie on Rucklers
Lane, some 500m to the northeast (close to the A41) and 500m to the west.
These are sufficiently distant from the site that they would not experience any
noticeable noise emanating from use of the site.
6.12 No harm to amenity or in any other respect would be caused by the continuation of
the outdoor recreational use of the land and the retention of the ancillary
structures.
Traffic and Highway Matters
6.13 The level of traffic generated by the use is low. Traffic on the highway network
passing the site is also relatively low. Based on surveys of other paintball sites run
by the operator it is usual, allowing for some instances where players are dropped
off at the site, for there to be about 3 players per car at the site..
6.14 There is adequate space within the site to accommodate about 30 cars. This is
more than sufficient to accommodate the level of car parking arising from the use.
Archaeology
6.15 An Archaeological Appraisal has been undertaken by Chiltern Archaeology and a
Report of that study accompanies this application. The Report makes clear that
the landform within the site suggests that there may have been surface quarrying
at the site, but that any subterranean mine was located outside the woodland, at
the edge of the adjoining field. This location is outside the application site and it
follows that the proposed development would have no impact on any remaining
trace of that feature that may survive beneath the adjoining field. There is also, as a
consequence, no potential risk to users of the site arising from potential collapse of
any remaining concealed shaft.
137.0 CONCLUSIONS
7.1 In the light of the analysis set out in this statement, and taking account of the
analysis of archaeological, ecological and nature conservation aspects addressed in
the accompanying Chiltern Archaeology and JFA studies, the following conclusions
can be drawn: --
Recreational paintball games is a use which is appropriate to be
accommodated in the countryside.
Making provision for countryside recreation is a specific land-use of the
Local Plan and national planning policy.
The ancillary built forms and structures are small in scale, necessary in
support of the use of the site for outdoor recreational activities and
unobtrusive.
The recreational use of the land is not prominent or visually intrusive
from any public viewpoints. The site is not crossed by, nor does it
immediately adjoin, any public footpath or other locations where public or
other rights of access apply.
The wooded character of the site in any event screens the recreational
activities and ancillary structures from view, even from close range.
The recreational paintball games use is not inherently noisy. Assessed
against the prevailing noise climate; which includes traffic on the A41
dual carriageway, and taking account of the distance from residential
properties, the recreational use would not give rise to harm to
residential amenity or to other forms of disturbance by reason of noise
or any other effect.
The site is not designated for any nature conservation interest, nor does
the site possess any features which are of special or of particular
significance or sensitivity which would be harmed by the use. In any
event there are opportunities, including through the implementation of a
woodland management plan, to enhance the nature conservation
interest of the site.
Any sub-surface mine workings that may remain, lie outside the
application site and the proposed development would have no impact on
these. There is also, as a consequence, no potential risk to users of the
site arising from potential collapse of any remaining concealed shaft.
7.2 In the light of these conclusions planning permission should be granted for the use
of the site for recreational paintball games and the retention of the ancillary
structures as proposed in this application.
14APPENDIX 1 LOCATION OF DELTA FORCE PAINTBALL SITES
MAP OF DELTA FORCE PAINTBALL LOCATIONS
APPENDIX 2
DESCRIPTION OF THE PAINTBALL OPERATION
Taken from Delta Force website ( www.paintballgames.co.uk )The Day
A typical day begins at 9:15am sharp, however Delta Force Paintball advise groups to arrive at 9:00am to
ensure registration forms are completed and play can commence on time.
Once registration forms have been completed, each player will be issued with all the equipment they need for
the day, along with any pre-purchased items such as paintballs, paint grenades and BBQ vouchers.
Delta Force Paintball's full head helmet and equipment.
Delta Force Paintball understands the need for security whilst games are underway. Each centre provides
personal lockers on-site, thus ensuring the safety of player possessions throughout the day.
Once each participant has been issued with their equipment, marshals will move around the base camp
dividing players into teams with coloured arm bands. These teams have been predetermined by the Centre
Manager according to the complete list of groups booked in for the day. The teams will be divided equally by
age, group size and paintballing experience so as to ensure all games are competitive, safe and enjoyable for
all players.
A 30-minute break is taken for all players at approximately 1:00pm, with drinks, crisps, sweets and a BBQ
lunch (vegetarian options) available for purchase. Alternatively, groups are welcome to bring their own lunch
and snacks, and under-cover picnic tables are available at all Delta Force Paintball centres. Each centre
offers complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day.
Enjoy your freshly prepared BBQ Lunch.
Before the start of play each player will receive a comprehensive briefing, which includes general information
on how the day will run, along with the safety rules and regulations.
The briefing is taped so as to ensure every safety feature is covered and is compulsory for all players
intending to play on the day. All marshals take the safety briefing very seriously, and ensure the full attention
of all players.Once the safety briefing is completed, each player will have his / her mask touch-tested by a marshal prior to
leaving the safe zone. Delta Force staff perform a mask touch-test on every player to ensure masks are
appropriately fitted and secured, thus removing the risk of potential injury.
Players will then proceed through to the gun zone where they will be issued with a 0.68 calibre Inferno
Paintball machine gun. Players will then have the opportunity to enjoy a few practise shots in the target area,
perfecting their aim for the game.
Steady your aim with pre-game target practice on the range.
Once all players have their aim steady and goggles secured, the games begin!
Action at the Alamo Stockade.
Once the day's games are completed, all players return to the base camp to hand in their paintballing
equipment and retrieve any personal belongings from the lockers.
Players may then prepare for the afternoon presentation, where winning and runner-up teams receive
certificates for their efforts. The day's activities conclude with the certificate presentation, and players can
expect to leave the Delta Force Paintball site at 4:00pm. If your group is limited by time constraints then an
alternate departure time can be organised.
The winning team with their trophy and winners certificates!APPENDIX 3
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
SHOWING SITE AND SURROUNDINGSAERIAL PHOTO OF SITE AND SURROUNDINGS
OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH – VIEW TO THE NORTH
APPENDIX 4 DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT DESIGN Use: The centre serves as a first class paintball facility for the local communities. It will encourage people to venture into the rural areas of the district to experience recreational activities outside of urban areas. Relevant policy encourages this. Amount: Paintball only needs basic facilities in order to provide a fun and an enjoyable activity for its participants. The proposal includes development that is consistent with countryside policy. The amount of development is essential for the operation of the activity. The customers would like to be able to sit comfortably in between games and have access to refreshments and bathroom facilities. The facilities are designed so that they can comfortably accommodate up to 120 customers. On average, the daily numbers would be no more than 80. Layout: The layouts of all Delta Force sites are designed to help the flow of player movements throughout the day. The players enter the site via the gates collect gear from the store before moving towards the shop to purchase consumables for the day. The large area in the middle is required for the safety briefing that takes part at the beginning of each day. The stage is slightly raised so that the people standing have a clear view of the person doing the brief. Scale: Being within woodland, the need to coexist with the natural environment is important. The base camp and car park are within a pre-existing clearing. There is no need to clear any more trees as the facilities are designed to fit into this space already created by nature. The base camp comprises of temporary structures; shipping containers and tents. The size of these in comparison to the over all site is small. Standard 20 foot shipping
containers are used as a kitchen, store, and shop. The base camp occupies only a small area of the total site. These structures are in constant use throughout day, so for their small scale, they are very efficient. Landscaping: The site will use natural materials and coverings to enhance the ground coverings and public spaces around the base camp. The central area of the base camp and paths leading to playing areas are covered with wood chips where required. The use of the wood chips instead of gravel or other such materials means that there will be no lasting damage done to the ground if operations on the site cease. The wood chips will be replaced yearly to give the site a fresh clean look. Appearance: Paintball is played in a rural setting. The site reflects this by incorporating natural, soft lines that blend into the woodland setting the centre is positioned in. The purpose of the centre is functional. It is not intended to create a visual impact on the surrounding environment but to be discrete. ACCESS Due to the social nature of the event, players tend to share cars, and schools/youth groups make use of minibuses. Furthermore, traffic generation is restricted to certain narrow time-bands (9.15am - 9.45am player arrival, and 3.30pm - 4.30pm player departure), and the use only happens two or three days per week. Car movement has been estimated at a maximum of 30 car movements in the morning arriving to the site followed by 30 exiting in the afternoon. An activity such as paintball games, which must, by definition, take place in a countryside setting, is always going to be somewhat remote from public transport options - ie: not well served by public transport. The base camp is all on one level. There are no steps dividing areas within the camp. There are therefore no obstructions to movement throughout the area, other than those that are inherent in a semi natural countryside location. Delta Force sites are well
experienced in accommodating the needs of all sections of the community, including participants with mobility and other disabilities. Several of the testimonials attached at Appendix 5 confirm this. As the activity is a planned event, groups organise and book before they arrive so that any special arrangements appropriate for particular groups can be made with the site manager and the head office.
APPENDIX 5 WHO PLAYS AND TESTIMONIALS
Introduction to the activity.
Paintball games are an extremely popular activity with young people - the majority of players are
between 11 and 29 years of age. The games involve participants creeping through woods, and
firing small gelatine-skinned balls, containing a water soluble food colourant, at one another. The
soft balls are designed to burst harmlessly on impact, temporarily marking the target with the
colourant. A player so marked, is rendered out of that particular game.
A day spent paintballing involves moving through the woodland, from one "game zone" to another
(game zones delineated by lengths of yellow rope). The different game zones provide players with
a variety of environments, obstacles, and degrees of cover, within which to play the games.
Where appropriate, 3m high protective netting is employed - the netting is as used by nurseries,
black in colour, and invisible from as little as l 0m away.
Who plays:
The people who play the game are drawn from all walks of life -both the Manchester and Chelsea
Football Clubs have chosen to visit our centres - the majority are less well known, but no less
deserving. Schools all over the country use our centres on a regular basis.
Testimonials
Testimonial letters are attached from a number of schools/youth organisations, as well as from
three County Councils and a Borough Council:
i. Councils:
Surrey County Council Activities for deaf children.
Runnymede Borough Council Summer activities for teenagers.
Worcestershire County Council Youth activities.
West Sussex County Council (Rose Green & Pagham Youth & Community Centre).
ii. Schools:
Heathcote School.
St Anthony's RC High School.
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School.
iii. Charities:
National Association of Clubs for Young People.
Mencap.
iv. Other:
Pakistani Community Centre Youth group
It is worth remembering that more young people now participate in paintball games in the UK,
than play golf. The latter activity, appealing more to older people, is very well catered for in the
countryside, yet paintballing facilities with the appropriate Planning Permission are few and far
between. It is an accepted aim of both central and local government policy to allow the demand
for a range of outdoor sporting activities to be met. This facility will be a tremendous asset to the
young people of the local community.TESTIMONIAL LETTERS (see separate PDF file)
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