A NATIONAL accident watchdog has joined a row over deer hunting in a small Herefordshire community by claiming that people's lives could be at risk from stray bullets.

But RoSPA - the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - has been accused of slipping up itself in its condemnation of the new agricultural venture.

At the centre of the controversy is Hope Hill Farm, at Tedstone Delamere, Bromyard, whose owners plan to trade in beef and venison as well as running a deer-stalking training centre.

Locked horns

A packed public gallery at Herefordshire Council's northern area planning committee heard councillors and officers lock horns over the four related applications.

Officers had recommended approval of plans by Niall Robertson but, with the exception of one, councillors refused them.

Applications for a temporary mobile home on the farm, building, extension and change of use of machinery and fodder housing to livestock space were rejected. A workshop and new stoned access was given the go-ahead.

Reasons given by local member and committee chairman, Councillor Tom Hunt, included harming a landscape of great value, that no clear need had been determined by the owner for his proposals and the effect on neighbouring properties.

Village opinion was strong against the enterprise, stressing that the stalking and shooting of deer was 'unacceptable to local residents'.

In what was described by planning officer Ian Slater as an unusual move, RoSPA had joined the debate raising concerns over road safety and said that the use of rifles and shot guns would put local residents, walkers and horse-riders at risk from noise and stray bullets.

Well away

But, in response the RoSPA's claims, Mr Slater pointed out that the transportation manager raised no objections and shooting would be confined to an area of Mr Robertson's land well away from housing.

Agricultural research consultants ADAS concluded there was a real need for Mr Robertson to set up a temporary home at the farm to care for stock and to show commitment and ability to the enterprise.

It also said the existing and proposed enterprises involving beef and venison sales and deer stalking training were economically viable.

They added BSE and demand for a lean low fat meat had boosted the British deer industry. Mr Robertson would build up a local retail trade.

Courses at Hope Hill Farm would train people in the skills of stalking deer and shooting for culling or slaughtering, and hygiene.