PERMISSION has been granted for an archery course featuring 3D foam animal targets to be operated in a South Herefordshire wood.

The course at Lynders Wood, Upton Bishop, will also include an area next to the access for parking, portaloos and a reception area.

An existing track within the woods will be utilised in part while a new track will also be created.

Applicant, Francis Buchanan, said the nature of the business would be low key and set up to provide a facility that doesn't currently exist in the county, and to accommodate his and his partner's hobby.

He addressed safety concerns at last week's meeting of Herefordshire Council's planning committee, claiming that archery was a much safer sport than golf and that the course's safety had been endorsed by a national archer.

"There will never be more than eight visitors at any one time, four with my partner and four with me so anyone taking part is accompanied at all times," he said.

"Like anyone else we don't like throwing notes away which is what would happen if we lost an arrow.

"We trust the committee will see that looking after the woods is very much in our interest.

"We have assessed all the risks and see it is safe, as endorsed by a national archer."

He added the course was an opportunity for Herefordshire to offer an experience not available anywhere else in England.

But Councillor Barry Durkin, ward member, said he had concerns regarding the flora and fauna of the site – which is ancient woodland – and had fears about safety.

"The proposed use of the archery targets do present inherent danger in my opinion, despite the experience and expertise," he said.

"I have not seen any independent safety reports and there is no sign of any risk assessments."

He said the venture appeared to be 'altruistic' and said there was a need to protect the ancient woodland.

Councillor Jennifer Hyde asked what provision had been put in place to secure the site during non participation or when there was no official activity taking place.

"The concern is that some of the targets are far too close to PGL boundaries or the curtilage of domestic gardens," she said.

However Councillor Marcelle Lloyd Hayes said she thought the scheme was a "fantastic idea".

"I don't see any harm will be done. I think it would bring benefit to the local community and I fully support it," she said.

Councillors approved the scheme although there are some conditions attached to it.

The course will be open between April and the end of October due to the activity requiring daylight.

It will be open of weekends and bank holidays only, between 9am and 6pm as a maximum and dependent upon the season.