THE applicant behind controversial plans to build a 'much-needed' archery range is hopeful his new proposal will be approved.

David Poole, from Great Urswick, submitted to plans to South Lakeland District Council, to build an indoor and outdoor archery range at Birkrigg Common in September last year.

However, the plans, which received dozens of objections, failed to hit the target with council planners in February, who said the proposal would result in an 'obtrusive and alien form of development within this rural location'.

They also said the development would 'result in extensive harm being caused to the wider landscape' and is 'clearly not sustainable' due to lack of public transport in the proposed area.

Undeterred, Mr Poole has re-submitted new plans to convert a stable building at Borrans Field into an indoor archery range - but has not pursued his original proposal for an outdoor range.

Mr Poole, who has been involved in archery for more than 50 years, said: "This application is only for an indoor facility after we received so many complaints for an outdoor range.

"We've catered for every policy quoted in the previous application and are hopeful it will go through.

"There's so many activities going on around the field, it's almost like a park, that I can't understand why people would think an archery range would be so disruptive.

"We have brilliant archers here who have nowhere to practise in South Cumbria. Clubs are closing across the country so it's vital we push forward with this one.

"Fingers crossed there are no major objections."

According to the design and access statement, the revised proposal has been reduced in size to such an extent that there will be 'no visual or landscape effect created at all other than a small movement to facilitate access to the field to the rear'.

The plans also state: "The submitted proposal will significantly improve the appearance of the existing site and the planning application should be seen only in terms of the betterment that it represents.

"Most importantly the proposed facility will provide the year-round facility for archers that is much needed by its existing and future members.

"It is important to provide the infrastructure necessary to ensure that communities have access to a wide variety of inclusive recreational leisure activities that contribute to supporting personal skills development, physical and mental health, fitness and well-being."